Keeping it fresh

Truscott Farms, a fourth-generation family-run farm, celebrates 100 years in business

1 of 6From left to right: Bill Truscott, Lewis Truscott and Chuck Truscott. — Photo courtesy of Truscott Farms

2 of 6Truscott Farms was originally named Cornwall Farm back in 1912. — Photo courtesy of Truscott Farms

3 of 6The original farm house located on Ash Street in Creston, B.C. including the Truscott family's 1932 Chevrolet coupe. — Photo courtesy of Truscott Farms

4 of 6An aerial view of the existing fruit stand property in either 1964 or 1965 when the Truscotts purchased the land. — Photo courtesy of Truscott Farms

5 of 6Bill Truscott's family when they arrived in Creston, B.C. in 1912. Front row, from left: Bill Truscott (grandfather), George Truscott (great grandfather), Percy Truscott (uncle), Hannah Truscott (great grandmother) and Lewis Truscott (uncle). Back row, from left: Jessie Truscott (aunt), George Truscott (uncle), Lily Truscott (aunt), Charlie Truscott (uncle), Edie Truscott (aunt) and Walter Truscott (uncle). — Photo courtesy of Truscott Farms

6 of 6Truscott Farms fruit stand in Creston, B.C. — Photo courtesy of Truscott Farms

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Truscott Farms in the Creston Valley was recently honoured with the Century Farm Award from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture for being in operation for 100 years. This milestone award was presented by B.C. agriculture minister Don McRae. The family-run farming operation was also recognized this year in the annual Best of Business Awards, with Kootenay Business readers voting it a winner in the category of fruit stand.

How it has grown

In 1912, the farming business known today as Truscott Farms was founded by the present owner's great-grandfather, George Truscott. The family farm, originally called Cornwall Farm, started out growing Macintosh and Delicious apples, but after a hailstorm damaged their orchard, the family switched to growing a variety of cherries. Since then, Truscott Farms has branched out to mixed farming, offering consumers a wide variety of healthy, locally grown choices.

Something that has been part of the Truscott Farms operation for years is the seasonal fruit stand where people can purchase the farm's products.

“The fruit stand would become incredibly busy in the evenings," said Bill Truscott, owner of Truscott Farms, "and Dad would leave the fruit stand open and leave cash in the till with a sign saying ‘Help yourself and leave your money in the till,’ and he never lost a dime. That is something Dad did for years and years and years. Any place where you can leave the till open and feel comfortable about it must be a good place to live.”

Smart decisions

The focus right now for Truscott Farms is to evolve from generating revenue through exporting produce to building a local retail market—keeping products "home sweet home" for locals to enjoy right in their own backyard. Currently locals can purchase fruits and vegetables including apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears, plums, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes and herbs at the fruit stand.

Farming practices at Truscott

To ensure Truscott Farms continues to be successful and profitable, it uses an integrated pest management regimen throughout the planting, growing and harvesting seasons. Truscott said he values minimizing effects on the environment and the operation has a goal to harvest high-quality, safe food. Therefore, the latest science complements nature in producing the very best fruits and vegetables.

Truscott Farms has been recognized by Global Good Agricultural Practice since 2004. This standard reassures consumers about how food is produced; it involves the entire process of minimizing environmental impacts of farming operations, including reducing the use of chemicals and keeping employees safe.

A happy place to be

“The Truscott family is proud to have had the privilege of farming in such a beautiful valley for the past 100 years,” said Truscott. “I look forward to another 100 more years. We are committed to delivering the freshest and best fruits and vegetables to our customers.”