SUNRISE TREE FARM
24048 Maxfield Creek Road
Philomath, Oregon 97370
(541) 929-2289
Fax: (541) 929-2132
(800) 786-2289
sunrise@peak.org
www.sunrise-trees.com
SERF* Certification Performance Measures
& How Sunrise Tree Farm Measures Up
A certified farm supports a balanced economic, social and environmentally sustainable Christmas
tree operation. Each farm develops a Sustainability Plan detailing activities in the five major areas:
Biodiversity, Soil and Water Resources, Integrated Pest Management, Health and Safety and Community
and Consumer Relations. The farm must demonstrate via an inspection program through the Oregon
Department of Agriculture (ODA) that the plan is being used, updated and followed in all phases of
operations. Inspections include all farm personnel (employees, family, contractors) involved in
operating the tree farm.
To be certified under SERF, a farm must attain a 90% pass rate for goals ranked at a 5 point level and
an 80% pass rate on those rated at 3 points. The Point Level for each Conformance Goal is adjusted by
relative importance. A 5 point level is considered high and 3 points as moderate. Evidence necessary is
summarized according to 3 major categories/types: 1) Inspections- includes on-site reviews and
interviews; 2) Plan- The noted indicator should be an element of the Sustainability Plan or a procedure
included within; 3) Record(s)- An element from on-going farm record keeping.
Here is a description of what the Oregon Department of Agriculture inspector looked for and how
Sunrise Tree Farm measures up:
Biodiversity
Protect and promote biodiversity. Performance measures include protecting natural
features, water ways, fish and wildlife habitat and ensure that workers and equipment minimize harm to
biodiversity.
Sunrise Tree Farm recognized this was important decades ago and began planting trees, brush
and grass along our creeks to protect the soils there and provide a natural area for wildlife. We have
one year around creek, several intermittent creeks and a pond. (We built the pond as a water source for
fire protection.) In 2006 we set aside 20 acres along our waterways and widened and fattened out these
older plantings. Our retail displays show what birds and animals we see here and how they affect our
farming.
Soil and Water Resources
Actively involved in long-term conservation of soil and water resources. Performance
measures include utilizing soil erosion prevention practices and implementing protective measures to
mitigate potential negative impact of farm activities on water quality.
This is the heart of where we started when we began to farm. When our farm was leased out in the
late 60’s, on a stretch of road going up our hill, we would see a fairly smooth road in the summer, but
two deep ruts running down the hill in the winter. When we put that picture together with the subsoil
we could see at the top of the hill, it was clear we had no soil to lose. We decided our first obligation to
the farm was to leave it in better shape than we found it.
Our ground cover rows between the rows of trees sent us in a different direction from most
Christmas tree farms. It was the right thing for our farm and we have been using ground covers since
1975.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Utilizes appropriate IPM techniques to control insects, weeds, diseases and other
pests. Performance measures include training in IPM systems and providing evidence of utilizing IPM in
decisions and actions.
We have been utilizing integrated pest management since we became involved in the farm in 1975.
We had not heard of the term “integrated pest management” then. No one taught us. We didn’t want
to use any chemicals at all when we started. We then realized that it was easier to be philosophically
pure if you didn’t do anything. We came to appreciate chemicals as tools to be used sparingly, targeted
and only if the economic consequences demanded it. This goes back to our vision of leaving the farm in
better shape than we found it: 40 acres of thistle and blackberry and erosion evident. We resolved to
use pesticides with the least impact, if we had to use any.
Our ground covers give us a leg up in IMP, since the ground covers give a place for predator bugs.
Little did we know how important that would be when we started farming!
Health and Safety
Create a safe environment for all workers. Performance measures include health and
safety training for employees. Risks on the farm are evaluated and training practices are updated to
reduce risks.
In the mid 1980’s Betty ran across this saying as a volunteer firefighter for Hoskins-Kings Valley Rural
Fire Department: “No job is so important or service so urgent that we cannot take time to do our work
safely.” We posted this at several of our work places so our workers know they are important to us. We
have three distinct crews and all get training in how to do their job safely. It’s the right thing to do and is
good for everyone.
Community and Consumer Relations
Active in the community and with industry groups in fostering farm stewardship and
environmental education. Performance measures include involvement with community and industry
organizations to preserve, protect and conserve natural resources. Promote environmental and
sustainability education.
Pat and Betty have been active in the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association (PNWCTA) and
the National Christmas Tree Association. Betty worked with other growers and retailers through the
PNWCTA in the 1980’s to create a consumer tree care brochure that is still sold through the association.
She also developed a brochure for cold climates and warm climates for retailers on how to handle
northwest trees. She was involved with a group that produced a notebook that is also still available
through PNWCTA with which new retailers could get started.
During the choose and cut season we had a 20’ by 20’ educational display tent that showcases the
positive things that we do such as care for birds, animals, ground covers and trees. We also offer
Ecology Tours in December where attendees choose to hear talks about such things as "Sustainable Tree
Farming Practices", "Wild Animals at the Farm" and "Birds at the Farm".
We recycle everything possible on our farm from metals to kitchen compost. All our used oil is
recycled to our tractor repairman who uses it for heating. We built our passive solar house in 1980. It
has been very efficient and comfortable.
*Socially & Environmentally Responsible Farming