Billy Potash of Big Root Organic Farm Cawston, BC

Billy Potash has learned organic farming grows more than produce; it creates communities. His Big Root Organic farm in Cawston is one of a dozen organic farms in British Columbia’s beautiful Similkameen Valley. Cawston is a small, agriculture-based town with two fruit packing plants, one solely dedicated to process organics.

When Billy arrived in Cawston from his home town of Toronto, his knowledge of farming, and organics was very limited. “At the time”, he says, “I didn’t even know apples grew on trees!” Billy was certain he wanted to grow things safely, protect his young family and protect the environment. Learning farming techniques and organic practices in his first orchard, Billy Potash’s Big Root Organic farm has grown into a fully-certified organic operation, producing organic apples, peaches, pears, plums and nectarines.

Over the past 30 years, Billy, his farm and his family have laid strong roots in their small community. In recent years both of his sons have volunteered to help out with the family business. Billy is also setting his sights on the newest generation of the Potash family—his three-year-old grandson, Kegan. “Farming is traditionally passed down generation to generation. You don’t farm to get rich; you farm to give back."