The word "orchard" stems from the Anglo-Saxon word "wortyard," which means a garden for growing herbs. Today, an orchard is typically a piece of acreage devoted to the harvesting of fruits and nuts from trees. In the U.S., orchards can be found in virtually every state-from Maine apple orchards to macadamia nut farms in Hawaii to olive groves in California.
One key growth trend in the business of fruit and nut cultivation is the growth of organic farming. Organic orchards that are not treated with pesticides, growth chemicals or sprays, for which the soil remains untreated and natural, are becoming more popular with farmers. Consumers appear willing to pay extra for organic produce.