More than a consumer…

We are more than consumers. Each of us are potential advocates for justice, advocates for the environment, and advocates for the community. Once we see ourselves as citizens and community members changing our society becomes much easier.

At the farm we are open about our motivations to grow veg sustainably, without chemical input, supporting biodiversity, and why we welcome people to the farm.

The CSA is here to create a real and radical alternative to industrially produced supermarket produce. We are in the midst of a crisis in public health, the cost of living, as well as witnessing the demonstrable negative effects of climate change and biodiversity collapse across the globe.

Whilst governments are slow to act and the difference single individuals can make is very limited, communities can bethe way forward. Together we can make change, and in a relatively short time frame. It is important that we take responsibility to create a future for ourselves and the younger generations: our kids, and grandchildren (and even future generations). Every contribution is different and valuable. Some lead, while others make small, but necessary efforts when they can. Every effort creates a ripple effect that changes the community and food system.

For this reason Upper Ballaird Farm’s members and subscribers are vitally important to our aims for deep and radical change. As are those that volunteer with us, coming to the farm once a month, or giving their time to contribute in other ways.

All these efforts help us implement the ethos of Upper Ballaird Farm, and its core aims of building community, fair labour, and caring for the environment. We are able to provide a place to promote physical and mental health and well-being through outdoor activity and meet ups. We nurture an open, fair, and creative working environment with empowered workers. Our actions support climate change mitigation, support and enhance biodiversity, incorporate agroecology and regenerative practices, and minimise carbon footprint.

Yet radical projects cannot be carried by a few individuals, and we are in need of support to help build a community of participants, supporters, and leaders.

We want to extend our heartfelt thank you for everyone who has taken the time to consider and choose us as a worthy cause to support. Our gratitude is immense, and we couldn’t have done any of this without our supporters. We want to take this opportunity to recognise the commitment of our CSA members, to remember that a CSA member is much more than just a consumer.

We appreciate the dedication of those members who understand this, and who take the time to participate on our member days, getting involved in our volunteer opportunities. The CSA member is part of the ecosystem that keeps Upper Ballaird Farm going and developing further. In turn we are here to give our members the opportunity to understand the value of the land, and to feel more connected to where their food comes from.

By being a member you stop being a consumer. Sure, you eat the food produced on the farm but that is not what determines your relationship with the land. Being part of the CSA means getting a chance to come to the farm (on member days, as volunteers). It means having a say in how the farm develops. It means, asking for and offering help when possible. It means, making a positive contribution to our local and global environments. Being a member is not an exchange of produce (veg or flowers) for money; that is a consumer relationship. Being a member means empowering oneself to have a say and make a differnece in our broken food system. The food system, as it stands, wants us all to believe that our value is only in our role as consumers, and not as responsible humans and citizens that care for each other and the planet. We are convinced that a membership at Upper Ballaird Farm is the antidote and medicine to challenge this.

We hope you can share our vision, and see that membership is not a burden but an opportunity to be part of a wider story; that it is empowering to be part of something that can and will make a difference in this world.

Stories!

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Flower Farmer Opportunity at Upper Ballaird Farm Co-op