Tansy Orchard (Collingwood, ON)



Address:
Duncan, ON
Website:
Products
About:
Tansy Orchard was started by Richard Frisby in 1989. He was the first organic apple producer in the Beaver Valley (near Collingwood) region. He has planted over 2000 trees on his property. He started with 500 in 1989 and then planted 500 for each of his three children. Richard is a rare breed in apple farming. He counts among a handful of small scale organic orchards in the province. As a family farm, the connection to the land is deep and evident in the care taken. As Richard describes, this is a very different relationship and kind of stewardship than that found on conventional farms, which are increasingly not family farms, but rather corporate farms. We're (as are you, we're sure) to be supporting the former.
Farm practices:
He uses Apple maggot traps that hang from his perimeter trees. They are none toxic and use pheromones to attract the insects. If necessary, Richard will apply a certified organic bio spray for the codling moth - which is the primary insect issue for apples. He employs an IPM (integrated pest management strategy) when necessary.