Thomas Tumbach, a long-time farmer in the Garnet Valley of British Columbia, faced significant losses when his 4.85-hectare farm was consumed by the fierce Bald Range wildfire. The fire struck at a critical time when Tumbach’s organic vegetables were ripe for harvest, affecting not only him but also other farmers in the wider Okanagan region who likely faced similar challenges in selling their produce.
Despite the personal tragedy, Tumbach remained resilient and joined forces with his friend and chef Ned Bell to launch the Summerland Sauce Project. This initiative involved Bell creating hundreds of liters of sauce from locally sourced produce to support farmers impacted by the wildfire, providing them with much-needed assistance as they recover from the devastation.
Named ‘Ned’s Ratatouille,’ Bell’s initial sauce for the project features a blend of eggplant, squash, onions, peppers, and other Okanagan vegetables. The sauce will be frozen and sold through the LocalMotive Low-Waste Market in Penticton, British Columbia, catering to the needs of the community, which is currently hosting numerous wildfire evacuees, including Tumbach.
Bell emphasized the challenges faced by local farmers, not just from the wildfire impacts but also due to reduced tourism and climate change affecting their harvests. The project aims to promote nutrient-dense products and minimize food waste, with plans to introduce a new sauce made from surplus fresh fruits in the upcoming week.
The Bald Range wildfire, which ignited on August 7, has rapidly expanded to over 210 square kilometers, particularly devastating areas near Summerland. Tumbach expressed shock at the intensity of the fire, highlighting the loss of his home, greenhouses, equipment, and personal belongings. While reflecting on the experience, he emphasized the importance of supporting others in times of crisis.
Bell underscored the ongoing threat of wildfires in the B.C. Interior and the necessity of initiatives like the Summerland Sauce Project to aid the farming community. He envisioned similar projects in other regions in the future, stressing the need to protect and support farmers who are vital to the region’s agricultural sustainability.