Pear Pick of the Season at Moore and Me Farm

By: Marilee Reyes | October 21 2010
Posted in Eugene

Photo: Marilee Reyes

Scott and Mary Moore have been growing pears (among a variety of other produce) for 30 years, specializing in Bartlett and Comice varieties at the Moore and Me Farm in Eugene. The Moore farm is a member of The Willamette Farm and Food Coalition, a community based non-profit committed to developing a secure and sustainable food system within Lane County. Membership includes farmers, food processors, distributors, farmers' markets, retailers, restaurateurs, institutional food buyers, consumers, anti-hunger advocates, children’s health advocates, faith communities, agricultural scientists and sustainability educators.

Mary Moore grew up on a farm but Scott was in lumber until that industry slowed down in the Northwest years ago. Scott joined Mary in the farming business soon after. In the beginning they rented a farm across the highway from their present property, which they bought when it became available 18 years ago.

The 65-acre farm features many seasonal U-Pick opportunities, including tomatoes, apples, green beans, cherries and pumpkins. The U-pick pear season has just ended but people can still pick a number of other items.

Mary Moore says they are presently harvesting Comice pears, though those are professionally picked as they go into cold storage for about a month so the sugars can properly develop.

The farm is open to the public in June and generally continues through November with the Comice pear harvest. “We close up the store when everything is gone,” says Mary of her schedule.

They also sell honey, walnuts, beets, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, hazelnuts, peaches, peppers, squash (both summer and winter) and cherry tomatoes. In addition to offering their produce at the farm stand they sell to local retail stores such as Capella Market, Market of Choice and Albertson’s.

Those who want to get their hands on some of the Moore's produce straight from the branch can find the farm at 34137 Seavey Loop in Eugene, open from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday through Saturday. Mary recommends that people call the farm stand at (541) 741-4790 to see what’s available as they get closer to the end of the season.