Nov 19, 2024

Bluebird Organic Fruit builds success through organic fruit production

Farming has always been central to Luke and Annie Gingerich’s lives. The lifelong connection led them to establish Bluebird Organic Fruit Co., a thriving peach-growing operation in Palisade, Colorado, built on a commitment to organic fruit production.

A family commitment to peaches

Both Luke and Annie grew up on farms, and after moving to Colorado in 2009 for new job opportunities, they began searching for a place to start their own orchard. For five years, they looked for land suitable for fruit production while Luke gained experience working with local viticulturists, farmers, and orchardists.

Growing peaches seemed like both a challenge and an opportunity to create something meaningful together. Palisade’s reputation for peaches made the decision clear. The Gingerichs wanted their three children to experience the same family farming lifestyle they grew up with while helping sustain the local industry.

In 2016, they launched Bluebird Organic Fruit Co. The orchard, situated in a microclimate ideal for peaches, now grows, picks, packs, and markets eight varieties of fresh Freestone peaches during a six-week harvest window. The family aims to produce 100,000 pounds annually, with plans to expand acreage in coming years.

Choosing organic fruit production

Despite the greater labor required, the Gingerichs chose organic fruit production to ensure safety for their children and the environment. “By farming organically, we can feel good know our practices do not risk our health nor the health of the air, soil, water, and wildlife,” Luke Gingerich said.

The farm uses a USA-approved pest management program that includes releasing ladybugs to control aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, and other harmful insects.

By reducing reliance on synthetic inputs, the Gingerichs keep their farm safe for family involvement and community visitors.

Building a business model

Bluebird operates as a small, certified organic orchard with 15 acres of peaches. Nearly 100% of its production goes to wholesale markets, which is unusual for an operation of its size.

“We do almost no retail sales,” Gingerich said. “At our size, we couldn’t support a family with this model, but so far, we’ve been able to continue to work off-farm and create a model that’s profitable on-farm.”

The family credits hard work, strong community connections, and financial support as keys to their success. “Late nights, early mornings, long weekends — plus a good banker and good neighbors have all played a role,” Gingerich said.

Although nothing is automated yet, they hope to add technology as the orchard grows. “We don’t operate at a scale that allows for investment in cutting-edge technology,” Gingerich explain. “We operate with used equipment purchased from larger growers. 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.”

Stewardship and sustainability with organic fruit production

The Gingerichs view sustainability as essential to their farm’s future.

“It has grown fruit for more than 100 years, and the next generation will be able to grow fruit in our soil,” Gingerich said.

Water stewardship is another top priority. “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.”

Facing adversity

Like many in the region, the Gingerichs endured the devastating 2020 freeze that destroyed area trees and delayed their revenue plans. “Survive and advance” became the family’s guiding philosophy.

Securing markets also remains a challenge. “While everyone wants Colorado peaches, it’s a long distance from the tree to the customer’s hand,” Gingerich said. Labor shortages add another obstacle, though the H-2A program has provided some relief during harvest.

“Time is probably our biggest challenge,” Gingerich added. “There’s 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 to the future

As Bluebird Organic Fruit continues to grow, the Gingerichs see expanding production as the next step. “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.”

For the Gingerich family, organic fruit production is more than a business — it’s a lifestyle and a legacy. It’s a way of ensuring that Colorado’s peach-growing tradition continues for generations.

— Keith Loria, contributing writer

Keith Loria, graduate of the University of Miami, is an award-winning journalist who’s been writing for almost 20 years.