Typically in our society organic agriculture is presented as a relatively modern phenomenon that is gradually gaining momentum, but still tends to have the feeling of a "movement". Ironically, history will ultimately show that it's not organic farming that should be termed a "movement', but rather conventional farming. Until WWII, most agriculture was naturally organic. After World War II, farmers were introduced to petrochemicals which they were told (through a very strong marketing blitz) would dramatically enhance their production and profitability. What we now call organic farming had no name prior to the 1930's - it was simply thought of as farming. The big switch was from an organic/natural method of farming to a chemical-based form of growing food. One farm that never made this switch is the Olson Family Farm in Kingsburg, California. Over the next several weeks as we begin to see supplies of summer fruit emerge such as peaches, plums and nectarines, this organic farm will become a a primary destination point for procuring great soft fruit! Their story is a beautiful example of the sustainability and endurance, not only of organic agriculture, but of the family farm.
The year was 1888 when the Olson family left Sweden and immigrated to the Central Valley of California. The family then consisted of grandparents John and Anna, their two sons, and their families. In 1889 they bought 22 acres of land near Kingsburg and started a legacy in stone fruit farming that has continued for 115 years.
Before the days of refrigeration and rapid transportation, peaches were cut in halves and dried in the sun for preservation. This task involved the entire Olson family, from children to grandparents, working with the fruit from sun up to sun down during the long hot days of summer.
World War I interrupted the routine farm life as the two oldest grandsons of John and Anna were called to service on the battle front in France. This left only the youngest grandson, Paul, and his father to keep the farm going.
Olson Family Farms has endured and experienced many changes through the years in the small rural area of Kingsburg, from farming with mules and horses, to the advent of the first tractors in 1917, through the hard years of the depression, to modern times.
After World War II toxic chemicals came into use to combat insect pests. Not choosing to go the route of synthetic pesticides, fungicides, and chemical fertilizers, the Olson's continued the practice of using only natural methods to grow their stone fruit. Today, all of their fruit is grown organically and certified by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers).
With new varieties of fruit being developed the Olson's are always looking for varieties with better taste and quality to add to their 75 selected varieties of summer stone fruit. Currently, the Olson Farm offers the largest selection and supply of certified organic peaches, plums and nectarines with availability from mid May through September.
Even today, the farm remains in the hands of the family, as Wayne and Richard, the forth generation sons, continue to have complete involvement in all aspects of the daily farming operations. The fifth generation is now learning the skills of organic production and gradually accepting the leadership role in this enduring family farm.
|
