PHOTO CREDIT: EDS Schoenborn Orchard near Conklin. (Sept. 8, 2020)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A major apple distributor has severed relations with a West Michigan grower whose son was caught on tape delivering a racist rant to a group of migrant workers.
Authorities have criminally Travis Schoenborn, the son of longtime orchard owner David Schoenborn, with assaulting one of the orchard's workers.
Trish Taylor, market manager for Riveridge Produce Marketing, an apple distributor in Sparta said, “We became aware of the incident at EDS Schoenborn after it aired on WOOD TV."
Riveridge later sent a statement to the WOOD TV newsroom via email, making it clear it had cut ties with EDS Schoenborn.
The statement read, “(We) are outraged by the abusive words and racist attitudes displayed in the video. This is not who we are as a company, and is in no way representative of the larger community of growers in West Michigan. The following morning (after the story aired), we severed our relationship with EDS effective immediately. We value inclusion for all and will continue working toward creating additional two-way communication with all of our employees, packers and growers and our migrant staff who deserve the same respect and dignity and play a vital role in our community."
West Michigan's Aseltine Cider Company of Comstock Park also told News 8 it is no longer associated with the orchard.
Spokesperson John Klamt of Aseltine said he was “appalled” by the racist language and behavior captured on video and immediately cut ties with EDS Schoenborn.
More: WOODTV.COM