Discussion
Farming Co-ops 07/03/09 by
I haven't seen anything here but haven't look hard. Are there any farming co-ops people can buy from, or better, a farm share? You can get such good and varied stuff from them, I'd love to get involved.Only registered users can comment in discussion
Thanks for the recommendation on the book. I will have to check it out. Back when we kept a garden we used Seven Dust. I don't know if it is natural or not and would be interested in knowing myself. Any recommendations?
Wow, this thread has taken a life of it's own. If you are growing your own garden, what is the best natural bug deterrent to use; so, you aren't poisoning the food you are growing. Is the food at the farmers market and co-ops, actually better for you in this respect than the supermarket?
I have to second Gian's recommendation for 'The Omnivore's Dilemma'. I first read it when a friend lent it to me, and now own a copy. Rather shocking in parts, it certainly let to me changing the way that I eat.
But of course, yes it costs more. I would never expect organic to be the same low price as produce which is forced to grow larger, more quickly and hence produces more. Unfortunately it is also nutritionally deficient compared to organic goods.
There is also the possibility of growing in your own yard, growing your own goods.
In the way that organic foods are grown without fertilizers and seeds that are not altered genetically, the increased cost is reflected in the preparation of the soil, seeds, time it takes for soil to be prepared if not previously certified organic. Natural preparations are more expensive than chemical fertilizers and the like. The costs involved are then, ultimately, passed on to the consumer.
If you are interested in this topic, you should read "The Omnivore's Dilemma", a real eye-opener about where today's food comes from. It also answers the question from Beth about why organic food is more expensive.
It is a shame that organic foods and dairy are often so much higher than the other. I wonder why that is? Primrose, I too try to buy local as much as possible and I would rather buy from a local farmer's market or a co-op before buying from a supermarket. I feel the fruit and vegetables are going to be fresher and hopefully better for my family. Besides, if I am supporting my local community then my money is going back into jobs for my fellow neighbors and that way we all win.
Sean, that is correct as to what it is. Beth-organic is just so often out of our price range so I sympathise. I don't think we'll ever be able to go that way though I wish we could. In the meantime I try just to buy local as much as possible.
Well till I read up, as a result of this thread, I had no idea you know. It was quite eye opening really because its kind of-well its almost like you own a share in the farm for that season, and you are being paid dividends in the produce that you get.
I was glad that I looked it up-I'm almost interested in joining one myself.
I like buying fresh fruit and vegetables from the local community markets. I know I probably should buy more organic, but just haven't really gotten into it yet.
A farm share is-well you pay a chunk of money, and that helps to support the farm. In return you get a large amount of produce-it works out cheaper than buying in the stores and you get all the best stuff, picked first before stuff goes to the stores.
What is a farm share-and how do that work? I've not heard the term before.
There is of course the farmers market too that is back in town that can serve well for good variety of local stuff.
I'm not sure this is what you are looking for but The Harvest Co-op has two locations; one in Cambridge and one in Jamaica Plain. Here is their website, which includes sales ads, recipes, etc. http://www.greenpeople.org/webpage.cfm?memid=1005&pmtlevel=0&linkpage=http://www.harvest.coop