THE ORGANIC OKANAGAN DECLARATION!

THE 2020 VISION OF
RETURNING THE OKANAGAN VALLEY
TO ALL ORGANIC PRACTICES
BY THE YEAR 2020

SIGN THE DECLARATION

1. The pristine Okanagan Valley is a northernmost semi-desert viticulture region, with the least amount of pests of any commercial fruit growing region in the world, making it the easiest to achieve organic transition.

2. We the undersigned do hereby DECLARE that the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada is an ideal agricultural and residential region to demonstrate a model of returning to living in harmony with nature, thereby creating A DIAMOND ON OUR EMERALD PLANET!

3. The Okanagan Valley is surrounded by mountainous wilderness for hundreds of kilometres in every direction, a unique agricultural oasis. This highly vulnerable and delicate eco-system has been historically protected by the original stewards, the Okanagan Indigenous Peoples. We DECLARE that this precious valley deserves to be honoured and protected for all generations to come.

4. The 135 km long Lake Okanagan supplies a vast portion of the region’s drinking water. It is dangerously one of the world’s easiest lakes to stifle with its Lake Retention Time (total turnover time) of 52.8 years! The toxic farming chemicals now draining into the lake at unprecedented rates threaten the vitality and health of all life in the region.

5. We the undersigned speak and act in concert with the region’s urgent plight as we fully understand that we are all interconnected. We live by and for each other, one whole living entity that includes all there is. Our highest possible intentions are the perpetuation and protection of our precious planet by setting forth our vision of a perfect example and world model.

6. We hereby DECLARE that we shall transition all of our lawns, gardens, municipal areas, highways, parks, school playgrounds, sports and recreational areas, orchards, vineyards and farms of all kinds to certified organic practices.

ADDITIONAL FACTS:

1. A consortium of small farms seeking certification is being hosted by the Organic Okanagan Committee! Please join us at our next monthly meeting to learn the easy, most cost effective way to achieve full organic certification by contacting: Director Wendy Wright wendy@organicokanagan.com or stephen@organicokanagan.com.

2. The economic rewards and sustainability of growing organic are now proven positive, thanks in great part to worldwide enthusiasm. Statistics are showing vast market share leaps in the consumption of organic foods and beverages. As well, organic farms are now demonstrating that organic practices are cost effective.

“Anywhere grapes grow is the
ideal place for us humans to live”
~ Anonymous

3. Organic growing and consumption is not only producing the best tasting fruits, vegetables, and beverages, but is also the foundation of proactive healthy living versus reactive practices and treatments. The plants remain naturally resistant to disease under a holistic program just as we humans become our healthiest with daily exercise and by consuming organic foods and beverages.

4. Organic wine is the single fastest growing segment of the wine industry. The fledgling, yet already famous Okanagan Wines will become a model for the world, demonstrating the glory of being in harmony with nature. This creates a windfall opportunity for everyone in the valley to flourish. Tourism and all businesses will boom, representing abundance that is our natural heritage. Health statistics and vitality levels will be vastly improved, opening unlimited abundance to all regions who return to organic farming and living practices.

5. Almost all of the Chiefs of the First Nations in the valley have signed the DECLARATION as well as the Mayors, many dignitaries, celebrities including David Suzuki, Robert Bateman, Marianne Williamson and many more. Many farm and vineyard owners are impressed with the economic and taste profile promises and are seriously interested in conversion!

THEREFORE, WITH OUR HIGHEST INTENTIONS, WE THE UNDERSIGNED SIGN BELOW AGREEING:

To share the 2020 Vision with our friends and family

To ask where our food and beverages come from and how they’re grown

To grow, buy, and consume local organic produce and products

To consider transitioning our lawns to gardens, and to xeriscape our properties

To urge all commercial chemical farming owners to consider the future for all our children and their children’s sake

To feel free to attend our monthly meetings and/or by contributing to our web site OrganicOkanagan.com