Mountain Village: Farm Share Incentive Program

25 May Mountain Village: Farm Share Incentive Program

For more information about the new Farm-to-Community Incentive Program in Mountain Village, contact Planning and Development Services Director Michelle Haynes at (970) 239-4061, or email mhaynes@mtnvillage.org.

The Town of Mountain Village announce sa community-wide, income- qualified Farm Share-to-Community Incentive Pilot Program.

Grown out of the newly formed Mountain Village Green Team Committee and approved at the April Town Council meeting, up to 45 Mountain Village residents who meet the annual household income qualifications can apply to the program. Eligibility will be on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified households who have completed the necessary application by June 1, 2018.

“We are excited to offer our residents a community-supported agriculture program (CSA) directly linking income-qualified community members to local farmers,” said Planning and Development Services Director, Michelle Haynes. “This program is in alignment with many community goals. A community’s resilience depends upon implementing strategies that reduce reliance on non-renewable energy, develop local food sources and increase local transportation and energy security. The new incentive program will also educate community members regarding the many local food sources available to us and provide low cost, high nutrient food to residents who may not otherwise have the income or time to participate in such a program.”

The farm share program Mountain Village offers puts income-qualified individuals and families at the centerpiece of the model, subsidizing farm shares based on income and providing convenient during or after work pick-up hours to distribute locally farmed, high-quality, sustainably grown, and affordable food and produce. Participating members can purchase “shares” of a farmer’s crop for the entire growing season, approximately nine weeks, at minimal cost.

To best serve our community members, understand the food habits and desires of our residents, and enhance this pilot program, Mountain Village has asked applicants and community members alike to provide comments and input through an online survey by going here.

Haynes goes on to say:

“Supporting local agriculture on this scale reduces the distance food is transported and incrementally lowers our carbon emissions. It also supports our local farms through the CSA model providing money in advance of a growing season for the purchase of seed and food planning. This program creates an important regional bridge and cooperative relationships that we hope will continue to grow.”

Participating farms and partners of the Farm to Community Program include Mountain Roots Produce based in Mancos, Colorado and F.R.E.S.H Food Hub, a community-run food co-op based in Norwood, Colorado.

F.R.E.S.H Food Hub purchases food from local farms and producers such Indian Ridge Farm and Bakery, Buckhorn Gardens, Birdhouse Farm, Laid Back Ranch, South River Aquaponics, and many more small-scale producers on the Western Slope, offering the best possible prices on wholesome, and healthy food in the region.

The F.R.E.S.H. Food Hub will have a presence at our Market on the Plaza. In addition to the Market on the Plaza being the primary CSA share pick-up location, local produce and food items will be available for sale to residents and visitors.