<p>To underline our efforts to reclaim food from the clutches of commodification we are proposing the idea of family farms/ farmers (similar to that of family doctor). We want to encourage the deepening of trust, responsibility and reciprocity within our human and ecological communities.</p>
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<p>20 farmers have pledged their lands and labour to the practice of sustainable farming methods for this monsoon season (2011). This growing cycle begins in May with sowing and a harvest is expected from July to October. MOFCA will support the farmers with sharing of technical know-how and other farming resources, creating an assured market and a fair, consistent price for their produce and creating and managing the supply chain logistics.</p>
<p>Beginning in monsoon (2011) 20 farmers pledged their lands and labour to the practice of sustainable farming methods. MOFCA supported the farmers with sharing of technical know-how and other farming resources, creating an assured market and a fair, consistent price for their produce and creating and managing the supply chain logistics.</p>
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<p>We have available to us a total of 4 acres of farm land, cultivated by the 20 farmers partnering with us for this season. We are estimating a yield of 100 kg. / week from each acre which will give us a total of approximately 400 kilos. We have 200 farm shares available this season for public issue each worth Rs 2500/-.</p>
<p>Each season, depending on the acreage available and the yield estimated we offer a limited number of farm shares for public issue. As a shareholder you receive a share of the bounty for each week of harvest. In effect, you are paying the true cost of growing the food (in a sustainable and just way) and bringing it to you for the duration of the season. You are also helping in the long-term promotion of sustainable farming by enabling MOFCA to share resources among farmers and also to help consumers and the wider public learn to be more conscious about the food they eat.
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<h1>Why become a shareholder?</h1>
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<p>As a shareholder you are <spanclass="boldText">investing in your local economy.</span> Without intermediaries, shareholders benefit from reasonable, predetermined prices not subject to economic fluctuations or false scarcities. Wastages that occur from excess produce not being sold will be minimized, which in turn will reduce losses to the farmer and keep costs to the consumer under control. Farmers also benefit from fair prices paid directly to them.</p>
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<h1>Shareholder Terms</h1>
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<p>1. You, the consumer, will partner with MOFCA for one <spanclass="boldText">growing season.</span> The monsoon cycle begins in May with sowing and a harvest is expected from July to October.</p>
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<p>Because we believe healthy food is everyone's birthright and we understand that there may be some that cannot afford to give a downpayment of Rs 3,000 we request those who are interested to come and speak to us. We are willing to work out a resource exchange commitment (typically time and energy) for the season.</p>
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<h1>Suggestions for a Great Tokri Experience</h1>
<p>Schemes like Hari Bhari Tokri are highly individualised to the needs and circumstances of its members- both farmers and consumers. Especially because of this and since we are in the early stages of our project, we request your forgiveness for any unforeseen goof ups (as much as we may try to avoid them). It's only natural! We will get better.</p>
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<p>In the meantime, we vouch for the intention to place people before profit in the production of food. We will try and cater as far as possible to the needs of both farmers and consumers and continue to strengthen the ties between them. As partners, we request (and need) your participation in the form of questions, suggestions, feedback and offers of help.</p>
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<p>As fellow consumers, we also advise against the expectation that your entire consumption of vegetables be local, seasonal, organic. Given the current logistics of Mumbai and the unpredictability of nature this might be unreasonable. At the same time, as city dwellers unaccustomed to eating seasonally, you and your family might need to relearn a few habits. We advise being gentle but creative as you move on this path towards eating more healthily. We will of course be happy to offer whatever help we can to enable you to do so.</p>
celebrating (slow) food- sharing traditional food preparation methods, cooking together, film screenings, food meditation newsletter, blog, recipe exchange, etc.<br>
Also farm visits. Linking to other closely related food movements- urban farming.</p>
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<p>Developing an internal certification process.<br>
While we initially considered a participatory guarantee scheme (PGS) system which emphasises peer group accountability with regards to on-farm policy and practice, because of the distances between farms this is not quite viable. So using various criteria drawn from the PGS standards MOFCA will create a team including both farmer and consumer representatives that will visit farms and understand their views and practices of sustainability. We will support farmers as they transition to organic and eventually natural farming.</p>
<p>While we initially considered a participatory guarantee scheme (PGS) system which emphasises peer group accountability with regards to on-farm policy and practice, because of the distances between farms this is not quite viable. We decided to develop an internal certification process using various criteria drawn from the PGS standards and creating a team including both farmer and consumer representatives of MOFCA that will visit farms and understand their views and practices of sustainability. We will support farmers as they transition to organic and eventually natural farming.</p>
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<p>Seed saving and other resource sharing, networking activities to support on farm work needs to begin.</p>
<p>Seed saving and other resource sharing and networking activities to support on-farm work has started on a small scale.</p>
Karen
13 years ago