Jealous Fruits, a unique, family-owned-and-operated cherry farm located in Canada’s Okanagan Valley, announced the addition of the Carlson family to its team.
The Carlson family has been growing export-quality cherries in Summerland, BC, for 30 years. Keith and Jan Carlson began growing cherries with a few acres of Lapins in 1991. Throughout the years, they have continued to invest in new plantings, varieties and technologies.
In 2020, the Carlsons are growing over 100 acres of early, mid-, and late-season cherries throughout Summerland, at elevations from 1,300 feet through to 2,600 feet. Their orchards have been GlobalGAP certified for more than 20 years, and meticulous attention to detail is a family hallmark.
Keith and Jan's kids, Claire, Erin and Marty, were raised at the home orchard, growing up alongside the cherry industry. They are now raising the third generation, who have the opportunity to be involved with the cherry operation. Working together as a team, the family has found ways to innovate, grow, and manage their farms through integrated and sustainable practices. The Carlson family has invested in on-farm cold storage and hydrocooling, to chill their production prior to shipment to its Kelowna packing facility.
The Carlson family and Geen family have known each other for decades, and presently Erin Carlson and David Geen serve together as directors of the BC Cherry Association.
