FARMERS

Just Food and CSA farmers

Just Food has been working alongside a collection of CSA and food box farmers in the Ottawa area. Together we have identified several ways that Just Food can support the growth and success of CSA farms:

Last January and February 2007, Just Food, in collaboration with COG Ottawa, offered the following courses. The workshop series aimed at new farmers, as well as existing farmers who want to scale up or change some of their production to local markets

The path to becoming a CSA/market gardener farmer

This workshop covers the basics of how to become a CSA farmer.  Topics such as: models, planning, skills required, what to look for when finding land (including possibilities to link with existing farmers), farming resources, basic needs when setting up and working with customers, are covered. An existing CSA farmer is on-hand to answer questions.

Scaling Up: Going from Farmer to Farm Manager:

Managing staff on your farm, including interns, volunteers and paid staff. If you are interested in hosting an intern, or are thinking of hiring help, this workshop is definitely for you!


Organic Certification

This workshop will give detailed answers to your questions on how to become certified for crop and livestock production.

Marketing to the Local Market

Tools for making connections to local businesses and consumers, developing an image, providing the information that customers are looking for, setting prices that the market will bear that we still keep you in business, etc.

Scaling Up: How to set up a Canning Operation on your farm

Learn the ABCs of how to set up a canning operation on your farm and extend your local produce marketing opportunities into the winter season. Will include practical and business components.

To find out more about these workshops, please contact info@justfood.ca or call 613-236-9300 ext. 301 and leave your name, phone number and email address.

These courses are offered on a rotational basis. If you are interested in these topics, let us know.

CSA's in action (3 hour workshop) An in-depth workshop covering specifics of planning, succession planting and extending the season for a 50 – 100 person CSA. Covers both spring and winter boxes, as well as farm efficiency. (Information can be applied to smaller CSA farms.)

The business of CSA/market gardening farming (full day workshop) This workshop will get you started on creating a business plan for your future farm or improving your plan for your CSA or market garden farm that is already running.