The Waiheke CSA employed Jennifer Fountain to carry out a feasibility study over a couple of months in Autumn 2010 to establish what the next steps should be for the project.
The findings were presented to an open meeting of members on May 31. Below is a summary of what was discussed there.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT – A SUMMARY
The Feasibility Study has shown that the vision remains as strong as ever and there is the commitment to move forward.
First we needed to identify
(1) What has and has not worked
AND
(2) What we need to do to move forward successfully.
The Pluses
- The land at Te Matuku is very productive and the property owner is generous and supportive.
- A $14K infrastructure is nearing completion. We have a sound membership base.
The Minuses
- Too much time pressure - we had a delayed start and have had no time to set up proper procedures.
- Too much is being done by too few.
- Infrastructure needs have been greater than anticipated.
- Distance and access to Te Matuku has been a problem eg volunteerism.
- Other problems such as protracted drought and rabbits.
Plan of Attack
- Improve access at Te Matuku – the culvert has been completed.
- Grow lower maintenance crops at Te Matuku and other crops at Putiki Rd.
- Spread the work load by forming TASK TEAMS and improve processes.
- Encourage and enable volunteerism.
- Investigate and seek funding assistance eg sponsorship and grants.
- Promote CSA – engage with general public (eg educational activities) and make use of and enhance existing networks.
What the Future Looks Like:
Winter 2010: Complete planting and infrastructure at Te Matuku and maintain and harvest crops. Ground break and set up Putiki Rd operation. Set up Task Teams. Maintain membership of around 20.
Spring/Summer 2010/11. Task Teams become fully operational. Plant, maintain and harvest crops and maintain infrastructure at Te Matuku. Harvest first cash crop. Expand membership to 40 by December. Create and expand links with the wider community (Spring) Explore and eventually establish new organisational structure for the farm project. (Summer). General consolidation.
Winter 2011. Consolidate at Te Matuku and Putiki Rd. Plant maintain and harvest second cash crop. Ground break and develop further land at both sites. Evaluate and plan for the next stage/level of operation.
Spring/Summer 2011/12. General consolidation. Increase membership and develop further land.? Grow further cash crops ? Produce some surplus for open market ?
JOIN US….. SHARE THE RISKS AND SPREAD THE LOAD………EAT WELL !
Many thanks to Jennifer for her fantastic work.