People / Cost of Living Crisis
Cost of living crisis leaves organic farm’s future ‘on a knife edge’
One of the largest organic food farms in the South West has lost 50 per cent of its customers due to the cost of living crisis.
The Community Farm in Chew Magna is a non-for-profit farm which grows, sources and delivers food to households and businesses. Every year thousands of people take part in their wellbeing programmes and volunteer in their fields.
While the supermarket chains struggled with empty shelves throughout the pandemic, The Community Farm delivered food to almost 1,000 households per week. However, due to the rising cost of living, the farm says it now only delivers to 500 households weekly.
Natasha Soares from Better Food, a network of community-led, sustainable food retailers in Bristol, who use the farm as a supplier, said: “The Community Farm, and all the Better Food Trader members, are businesses who prioritise ethics over profit, creating social and environmental benefits as well as providing good jobs and supporting local economies.
One of the food boxes from the farm that households and businesses can purchase – photo: MAH Photography
“Cost of living pressures mean that many of these businesses are now struggling to keep customer numbers at a viable level.”
The huge loss in business is affecting the entire food chain, with 40 local producers across the South West relying on The Community Farm to sell their produce.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChcG3hXufyZ/
Kim Brooks, managing director said: “In 12 years, The Community Farm has turned empty fields into a thriving local hub that means so much to so many.
“We’d like to call on as many people as possible to get out there and shop with local, ethical food businesses for the benefit of local people and wildlife.”
This article was written by Freya Stanger whilst on work experience with Bristol24/7. Our work experience programme is one of many ways we are creating pathways into journalism and opportunities for young people in Bristol. Support our work by becoming a member.
Main photo: MAH Photography
Read more: The Invisible Gap: How the cost of living crisis is affecting people in Bristol
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