Key Takeaways:
- Somerfield Berryfruit farm in Oropi has been a family-run business for 55 years, growing a variety of berries including strawberries, boysenberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
- The farm is open to visitors during the berry season, which runs from Labour Weekend to mid-January, and offers pick-your-own and pre-picked berries, as well as homemade jams and fresh fruit ice cream.
- The Somerfield family has a long history of community involvement, with Richard serving as IHC president and Trish continuing the family tradition of working on the farm.
- The farm is a popular destination for families and visitors, with a beautiful setting and a wide range of activities and products available.
- The Somerfield family’s legacy is still thriving, with five generations of the family having been involved in the farm at one time.
Introduction to Somerfield Berryfruit Farm
The sweet fragrance of roses and strawberries wafting across the fields is a sure sign of summer at Somerfield Berryfruit farm in Oropi. The farm, which has been in operation for 55 years, is a beloved destination for families and visitors alike. Richard and Valerie Somerfield, who started the farm in 1970, can be found sorting and packing the morning’s pickings at the main packhouse, alongside their daughter Trish, who now owns the farm. The farm’s idyllic setting, complete with large trees humming with bird song and rows of plants bursting with ripe, red berries, is a perfect spot to spend a summer day.
A Family Legacy
Richard and Valerie Somerfield began the berry farm 55 years ago, planting their first boysenberries in 1970. Strawberries followed two years later, and the farm has since become a summer hub, with many of the grandchildren joining the workforce during the holidays. The family business remains a labor of love, with Richard and Valerie’s children and grandchildren all playing a role in the farm’s operation. Trish, who now owns the farm, has taken over the day-to-day operations, but Richard and Valerie are still heavily involved, and their grandchildren can often be found helping out during the summer months.
The Berry Season
The berry season at Somerfield Berryfruit farm runs from Labour Weekend to mid-January, depending on the weather. During this time, the farm is open daily from 8am-5pm, and visitors can come to pick their own berries or purchase pre-picked ones. The Somerfields favor the Camarosa variety of strawberry, which is large, firm, and richly flavored. The farm is also home to over 27,000 roses, including more than 20 varieties bred by Richard’s son Rob, who is one of New Zealand’s leading rose breeders.
A Family Partnership
Richard and Valerie’s partnership began long before the berry rows were planted. The two met as teenagers, and were married three years later. They went on to have four children, including Trish, who now owns the farm. The family has faced its share of challenges over the years, including the loss of their son Gary, who was born with Down Syndrome and died at the age of 9. Despite these challenges, the Somerfields have remained a close-knit family, and their partnership has endured for over 50 years.
Community Involvement
The Somerfield family has a long history of community involvement. Richard spent 15 years as IHC president and 49 years as a member, stepping down only when the Oropi community asked him to lead the hall’s refurbishment project. He also served four years as president of Berryfruit NZ. The farm is also involved in the local community, with Trish working as a contract grafter for avocado, feijoa, and persimmon growers during the winter months. The farm’s legacy extends beyond the family, with many locals having worked on the farm over the years.
A Thriving Legacy
Today, Somerfield Berryfruit farm remains a thriving legacy, with Trish continuing the family tradition of working on the farm. The farm is a popular destination for families and visitors, with a beautiful setting and a wide range of activities and products available. The Somerfields’ commitment to their community and their passion for growing delicious berries has made their farm a beloved institution in the area. As the family looks to the future, they are confident that their legacy will continue to thrive, with five generations of the Somerfield family having been involved in the farm at one time.