Thomas Tumbach, a long-time farmer in Garnet Valley, British Columbia, faced significant losses on his 4.85-hectare farm due to the destructive Bald Range wildfire. The fire destroyed his residence and multiple farm structures while his organic crops were at their peak ripeness. This unfortunate event likely affected other farmers in the broader Okanagan region, leading to lost or unsellable harvests.
Despite the personal devastation, Tumbach remained determined to assist fellow local producers. Teaming up with chef Ned Bell, they launched the “Summerland Sauce Project.” Bell crafted hundreds of liters of sauce using produce sourced from local farmers. Profits from sauce sales will be channeled back to farmers impacted by the wildfire, aiding those who suffered crop damages.
In an interview with CBC’s Daybreak South, Tumbach emphasized their commitment to resilience and ensuring food supply continuity for the community. Bell’s inaugural sauce for the project, named “Ned’s Ratatouille,” features a variety of Okanagan-grown vegetables and will be available at the LocalMotive Low-Waste Market in Penticton, BC.
The ongoing Bald Range wildfire, covering an area exceeding 210 square kilometers, intensified near Summerland since its ignition on August 7. Tumbach expressed shock at the fire’s strength, distinguishing it as more devastating than previous wildfires he encountered. He recounted evacuating his farm, leaving behind his home, greenhouses, and equipment, including a tractor.
Bell highlighted the challenges faced by local farmers beyond immediate fire impacts, such as reduced tourism and climate-related harvest disruptions. Recognizing the recurring threat of wildfires in the BC Interior, Bell stressed the necessity for initiatives like the Summerland Sauce Project to support the agricultural community. Looking ahead, he suggested potential future projects in other fire-affected regions to safeguard and assist farmers in the face of escalating fire risks.