I visited Eastie Farm on February 10th.
Eastie Farm is an urban farm which is located in the city area. They are CSA farms which means Community Supported Agriculture. With this system, farmers and consumers can build reliable relationships. In addition, this organization is NPO which means non-profit organization. They grow some vegetables and flowers for local people. Then they provide these products to a restaurant where is near the farm for free. The local foods are healthy and safe. But these are more expensive than no local food. So they began this organization for local people. In this organization, they do growing food, farming, and also educating. They teach environmental education to children and local people. Also, for the environment, they create compost and use rainwater. There is space to change compost from food garbage and tank that shore the rainwater on this farm.
What most left an impression was about money. Mr. Kannan who is president of this farm said this farm is a non-profit organization. After that, he said he sold his products to earn funds. I was confused by this contradiction. But, after an explanation by the teacher, I realized this fund is just for keeping the organization. It means the purpose of the fund is for keeping the farm. So even if they sell their products, they are still NPO. They organize this farm with these funds and foundations from the government.
I think this organization is sustainable for the environment and community. CSA system is a win-win situation for farmers and local people. I hope the farm of this type will be more increase in the future.
Mei Igarashi