The big impact of small farms in Antigonish

We sat down with the farmer/artist/educator Fenn Martin and Dan King of Six Maples Farm to talk about life as small scale farmers here in Antigonish.Highlights from this episode: * Small Farm Cooperative Model - Lochaber Growers formed in 2016 when five small farms banded together to create a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program after losing local buyers, growing from 25 to 140 customers over nearly a decade.* Food Security Initiative - The cooperative runs a subsidized food box program providing fresh produce to one-third of their customers at $10 instead of $32 weekly, raising around $35,000 annually through grants and donations.* Sustainable Pricing vs. Undercutting - Small farmers must charge sustainable prices that reflect actual production costs rather than competing on price with large grocery chains.* Lifestyle Motivation - Despite financial challenges, farmers choose this work primarily for the lifestyle benefits: being self-employed, working outdoors, connecting with nature, and building community.* Changing Demographics Impact - Antigonish's shifting population (25% over 65, 7-8% population growth from immigration) is changing food demand, prompting farmers to consider growing different crops like okra to meet diverse cultural preferences.* Food Security Vulnerability - Nova Scotia remains vulnerable to food shortages or price hikes thanks to the trouble with our neighbours down south, highlighting the importance of local food systems despite acknowledging that small-scale farming alone cannot feed the entire community. Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe