To collectively market our produce, primarily to institutions, throughout the extended growing season and provide logistical and educational support our member farmers.
Four Seasons Produce Cooperative formed because of the growing demand for fresh, local produce by institutions like hospitals, schools and universities. However, as small farmers, it is difficult to market and meet that demand individually.
Many small farmers struggle to find a consistent customer base among local restaurants, direct buyers or farmer’s markets. The competition for these markets is fierce, and many farmers often find themselves selling the same products and competing against each other.
As the sustainable agriculture movement grows, there will be more small farms trying to reach the same customers. The founding members of our cooperative recognized this and saw the benefits all local farmers could gain by collective marketing and cooperation. By forming this cooperative, we can continue selling to our CSAs and local farmer’s market outlets, while working together to find stable markets with institutions seeking fresh, local produce.
