Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Our journey began in 2001 when we purchased five acres of land with a simple but profound dream: to raise our children amidst nature and to cultivate organic food for our family and create a business and life style around farming. This vision quickly blossomed into something much larger as we saw an increasing demand from people who were eager to consume fresh, organic produce. This growing interest and support from our customers at the Vancouvers Farmers markets became a powerful motivator for us to expand our operations. Driven by this enthusiasm, we decided to open our doors and invite people to experience our farm firsthand. We created a guest suite where visitors could stay, allowing them to see exactly where and how their food is grown. This personal connection to the land and the food they consume was something we deeply valued and wanted to share with others. Our dream continued to evolve, and we took it a step further by opening Row Fourteen, a farm-to-table restaurant located right on our property. The vision for Row Fourteen was to create a unique dining experience where people could enjoy meals crafted from the very produce grown just a few steps away. We wanted our guests to "eat to taste" rather than just "eat to eat," fostering a deeper appreciation for the flavours and quality of organic, farm-fresh ingredients. What fuels our passion is the ability to grow organic food and educate others about the importance of sustainable farming practices. We are dedicated to connecting people with the source of their food, helping them understand the significance of agriculture, and promoting practices that are kind to the earth. Every day, we are inspired by the impact we can have on our community and the environment, and we are committed to continuing this journey of growth, education, and connection.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

At Klippers Organic Acres community support and environmental stewardship are at the heart of everything we do. From our regenerative organic framing practise to our solar initiatives and food security. We are proud to support single-parent families through our Single Parent Family Home CSA Giveaway. This initiative aims to provide fresh, organic produce to families in need, ensuring they have access to nutritious food throughout the summer months. For 22 weeks, we donate CSA shares to single-parent homes in our community, delivering healthy and delicious fruits and vegetables directly from our farm. Our goal is to support these families by alleviating some of their food costs and promoting a healthier lifestyle. We are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our community through regular donations to various charities. Each week, we contribute fresh, organic produce to soup kitchens, food banks, and women's shelters. These donations are a vital part of our commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food, regardless of their circumstances. By partnering with these organizations, we aim to support those in need and promote health and well-being through wholesome, locally grown food. Our efforts reflect our belief in the power of community and the importance of sustainable, responsible food practices. In addition our McKenzie Road Art Crawl is not just an event—it's a vibrant celebration of community support and creativity. By showcasing local artists and artisans, we uplift vendors who participate, providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their work. Beyond art, this event serves a greater purpose: promoting donations to our Single-Family Parent Home CSA program. Through these donations, we ensure that MORE single-parent families in our community receive fresh, organic produce throughout the summer months, easing their financial burdens and supporting their well-being. The Art Crawl fosters a spirit of generosity and collaboration, bringing together neighbours, artists, and supporters to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Klippers Organic Acres deserves to win the BC Impact Award for our unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture and regenerative organic farming. Our commitment extends beyond just providing fresh, organic produce; we actively educate consumers and staff on the benefits of organic food and sustainable farming practices. Our support for the community is demonstrated through initiatives such as our single parent family home CSA giveaway, our CSA program, our annual art crawl and regular contributions to numerous food banks, shelters, and soup kitchens. We continuously strive to eliminate food waste through innovative processing methods. Currently, we are collaborating with the Vancouver Food Bank to help them implement systems for processing excess produce, enabling them to either sell it to raise funds or incorporate the processed food into their programs. Our efforts not only enhance food security but also foster a more sustainable and resilient community. Winning the BC Impact Award will bring more attention to all of the efforts we make in creating a more sustainable food system and model. It will hopefully inspire other farmers, producers, and distributors to adopt similar practices, driving positive change across the industry.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Klippers Organic Acres, Row Fourteen, and Klippers Marketplace and Cafe, our culture is rooted in sustainability, health, and inclusivity. We strive to create a workplace where every team member feels valued and welcomed. We do a daily staff meal. Sustainability is at the forefront of our operations. At Klippers Organic Acres, we prioritize organic farming practices that promote environmental stewardship and ensure the health of our land and produce. We minimize waste and actively seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint, from composting organic materials, our extensive processing, to using eco-friendly packaging. Row Fourteen and Klippers Marketplace and Cafe extend this commitment by sourcing locally grown and organic ingredients whenever possible. We believe in supporting local farmers and suppliers, which not only strengthens our community but also promotes a healthier food system. In terms of workplace culture, we foster an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone's contributions are appreciated. We encourage open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members. Training and development opportunities are provided to empower our employees to grow both personally and professionally. Moreover, we prioritize employee well-being, promoting work-life balance, and ensuring a safe and supportive workplace environment. We recognize that a healthy team leads to a thriving business and community. Overall, Klippers Organics, Row Fourteen, and Klippers Marketplace and Cafe are committed to creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where our values of community, quality, and respect shine through in everything we do.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

We believe we deserve the premier People's Choice Award because our journey is rooted in community support and engagement. Since our inception, we've aimed to provide fresh, local, organic produce while educating our consumers and staff on the benefits of regenerative and organic farming. Our commitment is evident through innovations like inviting guests to our farm, and offering experiences in our restaurant, marketplace and café, all while maintaining a zero-waste system. Over the last few years, we have been honoured with several prestigious awards that highlight our dedication to excellence in farming and dining. In 2011, we were recognized as the Outstanding Young Farmers for all of Canada, a testament to our innovative and sustainable farming practices. In 2019, our restaurant was named Best New Restaurant in Vancouver by the Globe and Mail, showcasing our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences. Our dedication to quality and sustainability earned us the Producer of the Year award in 2022 by VanMag. In 2022, our Untangled Craft Cider was awarded Best Cider in the People's Choice category best of the South Okanagan. Most recently, in 2024, we were thrilled to win the People's Choice Award for Best Restaurant in the Okanagan by VanMag, reflecting the love and support from our community. Winning this award would validate our community's trust and loyalty, raise awareness about our farm, cidery, marketplace and restaurant, and attract more visitors, thereby enhancing our sustainability. This recognition would highlight the importance of organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture, demonstrating that farming can be a viable livelihood. Ultimately, winning the People's Choice Award would honour our dedication to sustainable organic agriculture and celebrate our community's collective effort. We are proud of our team and small town of Cawston, BC, the Organic Capital of Canada, and believe it is a destination worth visiting.