When we ask consumers why they choose to buy local, organic food, one of the answers we hear often is to support local farmers. It makes sense that Canadians are interested in supporting the farmers and food systems around them – thriving local farms can bolster local food security and community resilience.
So you may be wondering – beyond stopping by your local farm stand or farmers market to pick up your weekly groceries, what are some ways you can start connecting with and supporting farmers in your area?
We asked farmer Natalie from Agricola Cooperative Farm to share her advice for consumers wanting to connect with their local farm, and here are some of her top tips:
Participate in farm tours: many farmers will offer an open house or farm visits where you can see the operation and ask questions firsthand.”
We love this idea and to make it especially easy, every month COG collects a list of organic, regenerative and ecological agricultural events happening across the country. You can follow us on social media or keep an eye on our blog on the 1st of each month to find the list and see what’s going on near you!
Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program – this allows you to see your farmers every week, and is often the best way to support a farm in the early season!”
When you join a CSA, you are purchasing a share of the farm’s harvest at the beginning of the growing season for yourself (yum!), but you’re also taking away some of the risk and guesswork for the farmer. CSA subscriptions give them a sense of how many consumers they will have for the food they are growing. Plus, it gives them an infusion of funds at the beginning of the growing season so they can invest in making their crops really great.
You can read our Guide to CSAs on our Organically Canadian Consumer Hub to learn more.
Participate as a consumer in agricultural advocacy – COG, the NFU, and other national and local organizations will often share information like petitions or other actions. Having support from outside the agricultural sector can make a big difference politically!”
From staying informed to spreading the word, there are lots of ways you can join forces with local farmers to advocate for a regenerative and resilient organic food and farming system. If getting involved in advocacy piques your interest, you’ll be happy to hear about our recent resource where you can learn 5 Simple Ways to Become a Champion of Food System Change on our Organically Canadian Consumer Hub.
We are so grateful to Natalie for sharing her thoughts, and we hope you enjoy following her tips to connect with your local farm and food system
About Agricola Cooperative Farm
On 160 acres of field, forest and river land in Papineauville, QC, on unceded Alqonquin (Weskarini), Mohawk and Huron-Wendat territory, Agricola Cooperative Farm grows vegetables and flowers using organic practices, and steward the land in maintaining the biodiversity and health of their local ecosystem. In 2022, they received the Prix de la relève agricole du Québec, recognizing their team’s “sense of innovation, diverse skills and engagement in their community”, as well as their commitment to climate and environmental responsibility.