The Root Co-op: Building a Bright Future
The Future of Farming
What happens to a small farm when the farmer retires or goes on to
greener pastures? 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 January 2010, the Root Co-op had 98 members who
invested a total of $315,200. We are more than 72% 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
For more information about investing, 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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