Thomas Tumbach, a long-time farmer in Garnet Valley, British Columbia, suffered the loss of his residence and several structures on his 4.85-hectare farm due to the fierce Bald Range wildfire. At the time of the incident, his organic crops were in prime condition, with other farmers in the broader Okanagan region likely facing similar challenges of crop loss or market disruption.
Despite the personal tragedy, Tumbach remained resilient and joined forces with his friend and chef, Ned Bell, to launch the Summerland Sauce Project. This initiative involves Bell creating hundreds of liters of sauce using locally sourced produce, with proceeds from sales being directed to support wildfire-affected farmers, including those whose crops were destroyed.
Expressing determination to persevere, Tumbach emphasized the importance of establishing robust systems to ensure continued food supply to the community amidst adversities. Bell’s inaugural sauce for the project, named ‘Ned’s Ratatouille,’ features a blend of local Okanagan vegetables and will be available through the LocalMotive Low-Waste Market in Penticton, BC.
The devastating impact of the wildfire has not only disrupted farmers’ access to their produce due to evacuation orders but has also led to reduced sales amid declining tourism and climate change-induced harvest challenges. Bell highlighted the project’s aim to create nutrient-rich products to combat food waste and hinted at upcoming unique sauce variations to utilize surplus fruit.
The ongoing Bald Range wildfire, covering over 210 square kilometers as of the latest update, has caused significant destruction near Summerland since its ignition on August 7. Tumbach recounted the severity of the fire surpassing previous experiences, leading to the loss of his home, greenhouses, and equipment, prompting him to prioritize the well-being of others during the evacuation.
Bell underscored the urgent need to support the fire-ravaged B.C. Interior region and its agricultural community, suggesting the potential for similar initiatives like the Summerland Sauce Project in other fire-affected areas in the future to safeguard farmers from recurring disasters.