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.

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.