Food is one of the most basic and fundamental needs we have as a species. The resources required to produce the food we need are tremendous. The integrity of how it’s grown, handled, transported, stored, and distributed are vital to the sustainability of our society. Del Sol Organics, founded in 2004 by Tom Marks, provides a local solution to these growing challenges.

Started with a pocket full of change, Del Sol Organics came alive with Tom selling oranges and avocados off the tailgate of an old pick-up truck. People responded to the warm service and drive that he brought to the table. Next thing Tom knew he was borrowing money for what at the time seemed like a big truck, all 14 feet of it. It was then that David and Cary from the Rogue Creamery, changed Tom’s life forever. When it looked like he was never going to find an affordable refrigerated box to top the new truck, David and Cary very generously parted with an older one they didn’t need, for the perfect price. The business had legs and it was time to stretch ‘em…

As Tom began delivering fresh produce and natural foods north toward Eugene, two things became increasingly apparent. He was getting things to market faster than the competition and his direct “Food Path” concept was ripe for the stream of goods coming out of California. Especially with co-ops and natural food stores, Tom found that not only was price and freshness a factor in people’s buying decisions, but that the path the food had taken was also important. With northwest food distribution centralized in the Portland and Seattle areas, Tom realized that having a warehouse in Southern Oregon was the perfect solution for supplying food more directly to our region.

In 2009, Tom saw his Warehouse dream realized as he and his three employees moved into the old Schrodt design building at the bottom of Oak Street in Ashland. Starting from scratch, Tom and his crew muscled together the material to build their first one, then two, and then three coolers to store the different temperature goods. The warehouse quickly became a thriving hub of logistical activity.

In 2011, Del Sol Organics had a makeover and emerged as Organic Produce Warehouse. In addition to changing the name of the business, Tom and the staff made two huge decisions; to join the Sustainable Food Trade Association and to become the first and only Certified Organic food distribution center in Southern Oregon. With a growing emphasis on local and organic foods and a building awareness of GMO foods, Tom saw being Certified Organic as a great way to propel the local food system into the future. He made transitional and conventional items available but kept the emphasis on organics.

Since becoming certified organic the most exciting thing to happen is the birth of Rogue Nation Foods, a label created by OPW to represent the farms and food providers of the Rogue bio-region.  It allows buyers and consumers to easily recognize local foods. By adding more retail and farm partners to the Rogue Nation Foods label, Tom believes we can strengthen our local economy.

Following a “local first” approach, Tom and his staff have put together a catalog featuring many Oregon-made natural foods. His produce items are sourced regionally or by the most direct food path possible.

With his sights set on a zero emission fleet, Tom is working tirelessly to change the way Southern Oregon moves food. Forging alliances with Rogue Valley Clean Cities, Sustainable Valley, Access and the Chamber of Commerce, Tom is committed to a new way forward, finding solutions to the tough problems facing this generation. If you ever want to talk shop, Tom would love to take the call.