Community Food Co-op
As part of Community Food Co-op's commitment to its shoppers, suppliers and the environment, in 2000 the co-op began dedicating a portion of its donation budget to a newly formed farm fund.
The farm fund's focus is to develop and support efforts that foster sustainable agriculture in the co-op's county, Whatcom.
As part of these efforts, in 2003 the Co-op Farm Fund founded Food to Bank On (FTBO). This new farmer incubation project creates partnerships among new sustainable agriculture farmers, experienced growers and area food banks to provide fresh, organic and locally grown produce to low-income community members. In turn, the new farmers receive technical assistance, get paired with a mentor, attend trade meetings and are paid market rates to deliver their produce according to a set crop schedule, thus bringing high-quality food to the hungry and also preparing themselves to deliver to other clients, such as restaurants and grocery retailers.
Twenty farmers have participated in the program since its inception, including Mike Long from Galactic Organics. As a fifth-generation Whatcom County resident, Mike's 40-acre homestead grows squash, corn, beans and garlic in addition to a diverse selection of heirloom, exotic and traditional crops.
When asked how we can help make sustainable farming viable for local growers, Mike urged, "When possible, come to the farm and see how we farm it firsthand — there's nothing like it. And support your local farmers by buying local produce at your co-op or grocery store."
Mike is also a fan of community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, where customers order a season's worth of produce, picked up weekly at the farm or a drop-off site. Of these programs, Mike said that "it's beneficial to all involved and allows the farmer to focus on the soil, which creates good food and happy customers."
When asked about his future goals, Mike answered, "One thousand — no, add a bunch more zeros — 100 thousand biodynamic acres in Whatcom County!"
Learn more about Community Food Co-op at www.communityfood.coop.