LAST week was National Community Supported Agriculture day which seemed an appropriate time to launch Southern Roots Organics.

The project is the first community supported agriculture project in Dorset. 

Southern Roots Organics run a market garden on two acres of land rented from Lower Hewood Farm in west Dorset. 

In addition to supplying local cafes, restaurants and pubs they are now offering 25 households within 10 miles of the farm the opportunity to buy a ‘share of the harvest’ for the 2017 growing season.

Throughout March, Southern Roots Organics is running a crowdfunder to raise £9,500 for essential start up costs, materials and infrastructure.

Adam Payne and Dee Butterly, who run the project, said: “We are excited to launch this CSA and look forward to developing the model in Dorset. By committing to support us for the growing season, members help make farming a more financially secure and enjoyable occupation, allowing young growers like ourselves to make a start and earn a living.

“For Farmers a Community Supported Agriculture scheme offers a more predictable and secure income, lower risks and stronger relationships with the people who eat our produce. In return members get fantastic quality vegetables at a fair price, and a relationship to the people and land that produce their food.

“Customers will pay £480 for 32 weeks of veg boxes between mid-June and the end of January, receiving a big box of fresh vegetables every week. All produce is grown by Southern Roots Organics, and most of it is harvested on the day of delivery. The contents of the boxes will vary according to what is in season but will typically include 9 – 10 varieties of produce, from spuds and leeks to salads, squash and tomatoes. Boxes will be available from the farm, in Beaminster and in Bridport.”

The pair initially set out to raise £5,000 in March for start-up costs but ‘unexpectedly’ reached this target in just a few days. The additional £4,500 will go towards subsidising veg boxes to households on low incomes, storage and an irrigation system.

People can donate via crowdfunder.co.uk/community-supported-agriculture

People who are interested in signing up for the boxes can do so at southernrootsorganics.org or by emailing info@southernrootsorganics.org