|
The
Produce
All
the food is organic, and is grown from heirloom seeds to get the
most flavor. Their family has had some health issues and they want to
offer
only the best and healthiest seasonal
food possible. The restaurant business–which has been their focus all
these
years–now wants very specific produce every week, and will not help the
Edwards
family by becoming partner-farmers with them. The very nature of
heirloom and
small-scale farming is that you get what’s available, but it is the
absolute
best. The produce is more costly than the supermarket, but they feel it
is
worth the money. Not only does it support their family, but it supports
the
community, and this project will educate consumers about the value of
local
providers. |
How We Started
Grow Local is owned by Tim and Kathy
Edwards. The Edwards family
has owned and operated farm
land in
Oregon since 1986, and supplies organic produce to area restaurants.
In order to grow their
business, Tim and Kathy are trying to persuade people within a
fifty-mile
radius to become direct purchasers, rather than relying solely on the
failing
restaurant industry in Portland.
To do this, they have devised a co-op program, where families can buy shares in the expected crops. The money from the shares will allow them to plant different heirloom varieties, which they hope will be appealing to customers. As the crops grow and mature, that week’s produce will be available for share holders. They intend to donate a limited amount of food to local shelters.
