The Root Co-op: Building a Bright Future
The Future of Farming
What happens to a small farm when the farmer
retires? Too often, the farm disappears. Claire
Thomas and
members of the Root Connection Farm are planning a
happier ending.
To that end, we have formed the Roots
of Our Times Cooperative (Root
Co-op) to ensure that the farm will be
there for future
generations of farmers and consumers.
ROOT Co-op Mission Statement
The purpose of the Roots of Our
Times Cooperative is to continue the agricultural
enterprise
currently operating under the name "Root Connection"
as a community
supported agricultural (CSA) farm. It is the intent
to continue to
provide members and patrons with seasonal vegetables
grown locally,
with at least 75 percent of the foods sold being
grown on land
managed by Roots of Our Times Cooperative, while
preserving the
health of the environment by using sustainable,
organically based
agricultural methods.
Progress Report
In March 2007, the Root Co-op purchased the farm
business,
including buildings, equipment, and other assets,
from CT Corp. Our
mission is to carry on the CSA farm at its present
location after
the current farmers retire, thereby ensuring that
our members'
supply of local food continues.
Not that Claire is leaving anytime soon. She'll
serve as the farm's
operating manager and as chair of the Root Co-op
Board of
Directors. And she'll spend time mentoring young
farmers and
training others to run the farm after she retires.
Join Us
As of the end of 2011, the Root Co-op had 107
members who
invested a total of $345,000. We are more than 85%
of the way to
our investment goal.
For a minimum investment of just $2,000 (payable in
installments),
you can become a co-owner of the farm and have the
satisfaction of
knowing you're helping to build a bright future for
the Root
Connection Farm. At the discretion of the board of
directors, a
portion of the net profits of the farm is returned
to the investors
each year.
Learn More
Read our "Answers" page click here
To receive a copy of the bylaws (via postal mail)
email your request to
root-coop@hotmail.com
or
call 425-881-1006. We'd be happy
to answer all
your questions.
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