Mountain Valley Farm
DENISE & TOM CROSS
Mountain Valley Farm & a Cross la Table
Mountain Valley Farm in West Kelowna was the beginning of Tom and Denise Cross’ dream for a sustainable community farm which includes demonstrating many of Eliot Coleman’s thoughts and teachings on ‘Beyond Organic Farming”. A wide range of produce, as well as condiments and other products made from ingredients grown on the farm are sold in season. A customized farm share membership program has been introduced for 2016. The Cross’ can be seen each week at the Westbank and Peachland Farmers’ Markets.
- We are proud to be farmers today because the results of our labour – initially aimed at supporting our own health – have provided a way for us to contribute to improved health of the people in our local community. By farming organically we are also supporting the environment, teaching others about growing organically and promoting their desire to grow their own food.
- A good day at the office includes waking up early with the fresh air and sunshine and having an organized plan for the day. There’s nothing better than getting out into the field and feeling our rich, healthy soil in our hands, knowing what we are doing will have a positive impact on our environment and community for years to come.
- A hard day at the office includes endless weeding and looking over at that row of vegetables that needs picking and knowing you’ll never catch up on the weed maintenance. That’s one of the greatest challenges of organic farming but honestly, the hardest day on the farm is still a better day than we could imagine anywhere else.
- Our greatest inspiration comes from each other, our son and his wife and our grandson due in mid-April! There is tremendous satisfaction in knowing our son will eventually take over what we started with the understanding of how a difference is made with each seed planted.
- Our advice to others looking to operate a farm business today is try it out first by volunteering or apprenticing at available farms. Educate yourself, ask questions and connect with source groups. And if you are ready, start small.
