November 2024 - 38

ORGANIC GROWER
The company's secret to success is hard work - which
includes late nights, early mornings, long weekends -
plus a good banker and good neighbors.
Surprisingly, nothing is automated at the farm. The couple
hopes to add tech in the future, when it makes sense.
" We don't operate at a scale that allows for investment
in cutting-edge technology; we operate with used
equipment purchased from larger growers, " Gingerich
said. " I do look forward to certain tech being available
soon. Orchard floor management is labor intensive for
us as organic growers. Robotic technology exists to solve
that issue, but is not commercially available. We could
decrease portions of harvest labor with robotics, too. "
Being good soil stewards and having a sustainability
mindset are important for the family.
" It has grown fruit for more than 100 years, and the
next generation will be able to grow fruit in our soil, "
Gingerich said. " We do our best to steward our irrigation
water as well. Without access to irrigation water, we'd
be out of business in no time. The sustainability of our
industry in Palisade is a concern due to growth in the
Grand Valley and rising land prices. I hope our community
continues to develop in a way that allows fruit growing to
continue as a major industry. "
Overcoming adversity
The family survived a 2020 freeze that damaged many
area trees - a painful experience immediately before the
Gingerichs expected to begin seeing revenues.
The operation's philosophy is to " survive and advance. "
Securing markets is also challenging. While everyone
wants Colorado peaches, it is a long distance from the tree
to a consumer's hand, Gingerich said.
" We haven't been at it that long, so things are still
evolving, " Gingerich said.
With labor another large challenge, the H-2A program
has helped secure harvest labor.
" Time is probably our biggest challenge, " Gingerich
said. " There is always something that we should be doing
in the orchard, but we have to balance that with off-farm
work and raising a family. Pest and disease issues are
always a challenge also, especially as organic growers. "
Looking ahead
As the company plans for the future, the Gingerichs
see plenty of opportunities to grow, but require time
and energy.
" We grow an amazing fresh product. If we could grow
more of it and get it in a box, there are markets for it, "
Gingerich said. " I believe consumers will continue to
demand high-quality fresh fruits and value them highly. "
A graduate of the University of Miami, Keith Loria is
an award-winning journalist who has been writing for
almost 20 years. View his recent writing at keithloria.
contently.com.
ORGANIC GROWER: COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
VITALIS ORGANIC SEEDS
GinFiz combines the flavor, texture and color of
Striped German with disease resistances and
productivity of modern hybrids. Fruits average 10-14
oz. and exhibit minimal cracking. With excellent early
fruit yields with leaf mold resistance for improved
production. GinFiz is a generative plant, benefiting
from grafting and single leader production.
vitalisorganic.com
ARBICO Organics Assassin Bugs
The Leafhopper Assassin Bug (Zelus renardii) is
a generalist predator that feeds on various plant
pests like aphids and mealybugs. Active at high
temps, and predatory in all adult life stages, it's a
valuable biological control agent for crops. With a
two-month lifespan, it's effective in both field and
greenhouse environments.
https://bit.ly/3XYsqyI
38 | FALL 2024 ORGANIC GROWER
ARBICO ORGANICS
https://bit.ly/3XYsqyI http://www.vitalisorganic.com
November 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2024
