| We are a group of a dozen small-scale growers west of Waterloo stretching from Ayr to Hesson who work together to distribute our products in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. We are committed to sustainable growing practices and local distribution of the produce and meat we each grow on our farms. Although not all of our Grower’s Collective member farms are certified organic at this point, we nonetheless embrace organic farming practices. We are dedicated to cooperating with each other to provide fresh, wholesome, locally-grown food to households we could not each supply individually. Farmers’ Field Growers Collective Pledge Organic farmers are stewards of the land whose practices promote soil fertility and a healthy farm ecosystem. Not all of our Grower’s Collective meat and produce is certified organic at this point for a variety of reasons. We do, however, embrace organic farming practices and are always happy to answer any questions about our farming methods. As the Farmers' Field Grower’s Collective we are committed to: - Refraining from using synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers in growing our food
- Building and maintaining healthy soils through annual crop rotations, use of compost, cover crops and green manures, and minimization of tillage
- Conserving natural resources by reducing erosion and pollution of air, soil and water through responsible farming practices
- Using only untreated, non-GM seeds and choosing organic seed where possible
- Reducing food miles by selling produce locally
- Maximizing the nutritional value of food by distributing it quickly and practicing careful post-harvest handling
- Arranging for the distribution of unsold but edible food to people who need it
- Working in cooperation with other farmers and the neighbouring community to create a more sustainable way of life
- Sustaining the land in healthy condition for future generations
(Adapted from the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York Farmer’s Pledge) Angie Koch, owner and grower of Fertile Ground CSA, and Canadian Organic Growers helped us to bring together the Farmer’s Collective that forms a core part of The Commons Market. |