Organization: Fresh City Farms Location: Toronto, Ontario
Fresh City was founded to empower young people to farm in urban front and back yards. We believe in the transformative power of urban farming to educate the public on food issues and to expand the market for local and organically produced food.
We are now recruiting member farmers for the 2012 season. We have developed ways for future member farmers to become involved immediately as Associate Member Farmers. Over the winter we will begin teaching about our urban farming model, and what it takes to become an Member Farmer with the Fresh City team.
About the Fresh City Member Farmer Program:
We provide materials such seeds and compost, shared access to high-cost tools, hands-on workshops, the assistance of an experienced organic farmer and access to a market for your produce. You farm yards in your neighborhood and work alongside your fellow member farmers a few hours a week with Fresh City.
Fresh City has designed a Member Farmer program that will keep start-up expenses to no more than a few hundred dollars, respective to the amount of land you want to farm. Even this small investment can be reduced if you already have access to basic gardening tools and harvesting boxes. Our system is designed so that you will not need access to a car.
There are also opportunities for Associate Member Farmers to start earning right away through sales commissions that can be redeemed upon the start of the 2012 season.
What you’ll learn…
You will learn how to grow quality food. You will meet people who are passionate about food and changing the world. The hard physical work will get you in great shape. You will learn what it means to be a farmer and to run your own business. You will join the burgeoning movement to reform our food production system.
How much do I have to work?
This will largely depend on how much land you want to farm and how intensively you want to farm it. The minimum you can expect to work is about 12 hours per week. Some backyard farmers with many yards work as much as 60 hours per week at the height of the growing season.
How much can I earn?
Earning potential depends on several factors including skill, how much you work, soil quality, what you grow and weather conditions. Urban farmers have reported earning anywhere between $0.75 to $3.50 per square foot farmed. Because Fresh City sells directly to customers, we can buy your produce at prices significantly higher than wholesale. In addition to selling produce to Fresh City Farms, you will also have the opportunity to earn commissions on the sale of produce and organic products ranging from maple syrup to soup. In this way, you can help friends and family spend their food dollars in a way that is better for the environment, society and helps you earn a living.
The application process:
If you’re interested in our program and are passionate about food, possess an entrepreneurial spirit, please visit our website http://www.freshcityfarms.com and email us at info@freshcityfarms.com with the subject title ‘I WANT TO BE A FARMER!’
We are having our first info session at Downsview Park on October 2nd at 4:30 pm. Please RSVP on the facebook event page. We hope to see you then!
Thank you!
The Fresh City Farms Team
