Jean and Joe Briggs & Lance and Melissa Eggers
Farming since 1968
27 197 South Brookerson Road
Wilcox, AZ 85643
520-384-6099
briggseggers@starband.net

Jean and Joe Briggs and second generation Lance and Melissa Eggers began farming apples in the fertile Bonita Springs Valley of southern Arizona in 1968, and they've farmed organically since 1990. Their 300 acre apple orchard lies at the base of Mount Graham, a critical "sky island" habitat for many species. Since the early efforts of the Briggs and other committed farmers, organic production has increased in this lovely valley to over 2,000 acres, good news for birds and animals that rely upon clean air and water in migration corridors in Southeastern Arizona.

The Briggs / Eggers are committed to building a strong organic program. Like their organic neighbors, the Briggs believe in building soil and they apply a nutrient rich tea made of composted poultry manure, as well as organically derived trace minerals. Coddling moths present a challenge to the growers in the valley and they have had great success with pheromone traps and mating disruption techniques. The granite rich, alluvial soil washed down from the mountains and the moderate high elevation Arizona Summers allow the Briggs / Eggers to begin early harvests of Galas, Red Delicious, Granny Smiths and the increasingly popular Pink Lady.

Throughout the years and various corporate channeling, the Briggs/Eggers Family Orchard has done business with the Earth's Best brand for over 14 years. The Briggs/Eggers Family Orchard is family owned and operated by a Mother/ Father and Son-in-law/Daughter team and the relationship with Earth's Best was forged with by father-in-law, Joe Briggs. In 1990 The Briggs/Eggers Family Orchard started producing only organic because they recognized that growing crops naturally is better for the environment. Growing things organically is a holistic process that respects the environment and provides higher quality food.

Lance Eggers says he values a business relationship with Earth's Best because he "takes pride in our products and want it to go to a good brand. We are involved in the entire process from the first detail, to the beginning frost, to the end picking, to the beginning shipping and retail." Lance further commented that Earth's Best is a good home for their apples and peaches because of the shared goals and direction and the fact that Earth's Best respects their views and thoughts on farming.