I got lots of things ticked off my to do list today in a spate of great productiveness that I doubt I will repeat until after the winter break. Ad astra per aspera
What I should do is set out what I see as the type of co-operative framework that can bring together local producers and consumers to show how it can carry out a distributive function that current trading structures don't provide for, and what useful communication it can do that isn't done elsewhere, too. We realized yesterday that our association, that groups a dozen or so farmers with eighty or so families (and counting), is a rare bird, in this part of France at least.
It's an organic food box delivery company (tho it's also part co-op) that basically franchises out around the country so that ordering and marketing is centralised but distribution is localised.
The system you've got locally is the base model. keep to the Fen Causeway
The site is for people interested in food that is "good, clean and fair." As the Web site describes, it's "a free online directory of thousands of family farms, restaurants and other outlets for fresh, locally grown food. Originally a database of sustainable-raised meat and dairy producers, its listings have expanded to include farmers markets, CSA programs, partner organizations, water-conscious ratings and vegetarian eateries." Here are four important things you can do on the site: Find good food: You can not only find great local food, but also have get a map to help you get there. Customize your choices: You can save listings that you like in an online notebook and use it to create your own guide to share with friends. Support the movement: You can help farmers, co-ops and small businesses by suggesting that they be added to the list. Tune into the blogosphere: Find out what's going on in the sustainable food world at the Green Fork blog.
Find good food: You can not only find great local food, but also have get a map to help you get there.
Customize your choices: You can save listings that you like in an online notebook and use it to create your own guide to share with friends.
Support the movement: You can help farmers, co-ops and small businesses by suggesting that they be added to the list.
Tune into the blogosphere: Find out what's going on in the sustainable food world at the Green Fork blog.
I like the fourth idea cos it makes the diea as much about reachout and inclusion as about consuming. It builds the total market. keep to the Fen Causeway
