Meet the Western Slope Farmers Bringing Fresh Fruit to the Front Range
Perhaps one of Colorado’s best kept secrets lies in its lush orchards, which have been kept by generations of family farmers outside of the states most populated – and visited – natural areas. The towns of Palisade, Paonia, and Hotchkiss have less than 5,000 residents between the three of them, and yet they have a lion’s share of the $24 million industry of fruit production in our state.
After experiencing an unusually warm June, these precious foods have made an early appearance at farmers markets across the state. But, with a reputation as large as Colorado’s Palisade peaches, it’s important to know exactly where your fruit is coming from to ensure you’re getting the highest quality crop and supporting hardworking, family-run farms. Here’s what to know about the fruit vendors providing you with juicy peaches, sweet cherries, and more at the Boulder and Longmont Farmers Markets this season.
In Palisade, Female Farmers Are Leading Their Businesses
Surrounded by wild desert lands on the ragged western edge of Colorado, Rancho Durazno is a father-daughter operation led by Gwen and Thomas Cameron that grows 40 acres of organic stone fruit and melons. The farm began its transition to organic farming practices in 1989, and remains committed to stewarding the land they cultivate in order to ensure it can be sustained for future generations of fruit farmers. In addition to their commitment to sustainable growing practices, they are equally passionate about farm workers rights, and a proud member of the Fair Food Program, a worker-driven social responsibility initiative that protects and promotes the human rights of farmworkers.
Heather Morton Burtness is a third-generation farmer continuing her family’s legacy at Morton’s Organic Orchards. Family-owned and operated since 1978, Morton’s Organic Orchards has participated in the Boulder Farmers Market since 1991. Their 45 acre, organic orchard grows countless varieties of peaches, and consistently experiments with hybrid crops like apriums and pluerries. Morton Burtness says her family has learned with each generation how to continue doing their work of feeding people even better, through both learning how to better care for their environment and expand access to locally-grown, nutritious fruit.
Paonia and Hotchkiss, the Unsung Fruit Heroes of Colorado
Most Coloradans tend to equate Western Slope fruit with Palisade, but our friendly advice to you is to not skip Paonia and Hotchkiss! With a slightly cooler temperature, these orchards might be a week or two behind their Palisade counterparts, but the fruit is just as fresh and delicious. Plus, their climate is preferred for one of our favorite fruits of all: apples!
Ela Family Farms’ history dates back to 1907 when they purchased their first orchard. Today, the farm is run by fourth-generation farmer, Steve Ela, out of Hotchkiss. Throughout this century old operation, the farm continues to expand its conservation efforts to be more environmentally sustainable. Ela Family Farms is zero-waste, focusing on selling as much fruit as possible directly to consumers, and using the leftovers to create dried fruit, jams and fruit butters, and fruit jerky.
First Fruits Organic Farms is run by the Kropp family, who can be found at the orchards of Paonia and at the Boulder and Longmont Farmers Markets. Like many fruit farmers, Kacey Kropp is an expert in fruit cultivation, and works constantly on grafting fruit trees to get closer and closer to the perfect crop. Their organic orchards go beyond certification requirements to produce the healthiest food possible while conserving water resources, maintaining natural habitats for insects and critters, and using netting to prevent crop loss without the use of pesticides.
Last but not least, we have Topp Fruits! This family-run farm has properties in both Paonia and Hotchkiss, and is run by Harrison Topp and Stacia Cannon. Starting out in 2006, this farm is owned by the Topp and Nemer family and produces organic fruits including cherries, peaches, plums, pears, and apples. Topp Fruits is another partner of the Fair Food Program, producing high-quality and nutritious fruit while providing a safe and fair environment for their farm workers.
At Boulder County Farmers Markets, you can always know that you’re getting the highest quality, Colorado-grown fruit straight from family farms. Visit us this week in Boulder and Longmont to replenish your fruit supply!
