Nov 18, 2024

Bluebird Organic Fruit Co. thrives with organic peach farming

Farming has always been central to Luke and Annie Gingerich’s lives. They’ve build a thriving business with Bluebird Organic Fruit Co., a Colorado operation dedicated to organic peach farming. The couple established the orchard in 2016, combining their agricultural roots with a passion for sustainability and family farming.

Starting an orchard in Palisade

After moving to Colorado in 2009, the Gingerichs searched for land where they could grow fruit. Luke gained valuable insight through his engineering work with local viticulturists and orchardists. Palisade, renowned for peaches, offered both the right microclimate and a strong farming community.

“Growing peaches appeared as a challenge and something the family could take on together,” Luke said. “We wanted to be part of the culture here and do our part to maintain the industry.”

Bluebird Organic Fruit Co. now grows, picks, packs and markets eight varieties of Freestone peaches over a six-week harvest. The orchard aims for 100,000 pounds annually, with expansion planned.

Why organic peach farming matters

Despite the added labor, the Gingerichs chose organic production to protect their family and the environment. “By farming organically, we can feel good knowing that our practices do not risk our health or the health of the air, soil, water and wildlife,” Luke said.

Their USDA-approved pest management system includes releasing ladybugs to control aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and mealybugs. Soil stewardship and water conservation are also priorities. “It has grown fruit for more than 100 years and the next generation will be able to grow fruit in our soil,” Luke said.

A small but resilient operation

With 15 acres of peaches, Bluebird operates on a nearly 100% wholesale model. “We do almost no retail sales,” Luke explained. “At our size, we couldn’t support a family with this model, but so far, we have been able to continue to work off-farm and create a model that is profitable on-farm.”

Hard work and community support underpin their success. “The secret is late nights, early mornings, long weekends — plus a good banker and good neighbors,” Luke said.

Though noting is automated, the couple looks forward to adopting technology in the future. “We don’t operate at a scale that allows for investment in cutting-edge technology. We operate with used equipment purchased from larger growers,” Luke said. He hopes robotic solutions for orchard floor management and harvesting will eventually become available.

Overcoming adversity

The Gingerichs faced a devastating freeze in 2020 that damaged many area trees just as they expected to begin earning revenues. “Our philosophy is to survive and advance,” Luke said.

Labor remains another challenge, with the H-2A program helping to secure seasonal harvest workers. “Time is probably our biggest challenge,” he 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, too, especially as organic growers.

Looking ahead

Bluebird Organic Fruit Co. is focused on steady growth. “We grow an amazing fresh product. If we could grow more of it and get it in a box, there are markets for it,” Luke said. “I believe customers will continue to demand high-quality fresh fruits and value them highly.”

With a commitment to sustainability and a strong foundation in organic peach farming, the Gingerichs are optimistic about the future of their orchard and the Palisade peach industry.

Written by Keith Loria

Keith Loria is an award-winning journalist who has been writing for almost 20 years.

Top photo: Bluebird Organic Fruit grows in a microclimate ideal for peaches. Photos courtesy of Bluebird Organic Fruit.