distribution
DISTRIBUTION SUMMARY Assets • Roughly a dozen farmstands • Independent grocers selling some local products • Regional supermarket in town • Three CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) • Annual Ag Day • One regional supermarket
potential Needs • Coordination between producers, distributors, and consumers to promote transparency and fair pricing • Streamline farm-to-institution programs and infrastructure • Centralized direct sale models or aggregated wholesale model
LOCAL LEADERS Saltbox Farm
Saltbox Farm, located on Westford Road in Concord, was developed by Edward and Emilie Thomas in the 1940s. Ben T. Elliott, the Thomases’ grandson, is now in the process of fixing up the family farm, and bringing it back to life. Currently, Ben is repairing infrastructure, making soil adjustments, and working towards implementing systems that will ensure the health of the farm for the long-term.
Ben recognizes that he has a lot to learn, being relatively inexperienced as a farmer, and wants to grow the farm slowly to make sure he doesn’t bite off more than he can chew.
Ben grows a variety of vegetables and flowers, which he sells through his CSA, at his farmstand, and to local restaurants. He also keeps chickens for eggs, bees for honey, and has recently planted a small orchard that includes apples, peaches, pears, and cherries. He chose the CSA model because he found it to be an efficient way to get perishable items into customers’ hands. While he has had positive experiences participating in farmstands in the area, the CSA model has really worked best for him. Saltbox Farm currently offers about forty shares a season, and is unsure whether he will increase production next year. His main hope is to have a well-functioning, diverse operation on a small scale. 52
Concord, Massachusetts
Saltbox Farm’s farmstand on Westford Road in Concord. The farm also sells through a CSA and to local restaurants. Photo Credit: Ben Elliot