All-organic Okanagan?


Summerhill founder determined to see a total transformation.


By Judie Steeves H


e envisions huge marketing opportunities for farmers in the Okanagan Valley with just a few slight changes in how they do things, and a determination to let the world know.


Even though he’s now over 70, Summerhill Pyramid Winery’s proprietor, Stephen Cipes, is still excited about the Okanagan Valley and the organic movement — and he’s committed to converting the entire valley to following organic growing principles.


“Can you imagine the world-wide impact of the entire Okanagan going organic? We would be a diamond on our emerald planet,” he says with enthusiasm.


Founder of vineyards and a winery which are organic, Cipes notes, “Our valley is in the northern-most desert viticulture region in the world, with the least amount of pests in the world. It’s easy to be organic here.” He’s hopeful his campaign will be successful and the Okanagan will be fully organic by the year 2020, demonstrating a “return to living in harmony with nature as a model of ultimate sustainability.”


He envisions all lawns, gardens, public areas and parks, school playgrounds, golf courses, orchards, vineyards and farms of all kinds converted to certified organic practices beginning immediately and with 100 per cent participation by 2020.


Cipes likens organic growing to preventive medicine in health care versus surgery and medication after the fact.


“Plants become naturally resistant to disease under a holistic program just as we humans become our


18 British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Fall 2014


healthiest with daily exercise and by


consuming organic foods and beverages,” he believes.


This summer, a group has been meeting to


discuss plans to reach this goal, and Cipes says to expect an


announcement concluding


National Organic Week, on Sept. 27.


That’s also the


date of the 10th annual Okanagan Greens Organic Okanagan Festival at Summerhill with a “Bee Organic” theme this year.


Cipes says some of the reasons to go organic include helping to prevent pesticides from seeping into Okanagan Lake, which provides drinking water to much of the valley’s residents.


Stephen Cipes envisions the Okanagan Valley as being a world model of sustainability.


As well, he says recent research ties life-threatening diseases to exposure to farm chemicals.


Tourism in the valley would benefit from such a designation as well, he believes.


“The Okanagan would become a world model of sustainability and economic prosperity. Businesses would all want to be supportive,” he adds.


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