Evolutions

So you might be wondering (especially those of you who have been long time Black Bottom Customers)-

How did we get here?

Why are we changing our model?

Why did we chose a box delivery service?

The simple answer-

To meet the evolving needs of busy customers and build another tool to help this farm and others thrive in a changing food economy

The more complicated answer-

A very common refrain in farming is "It's difficult to operate a successful farm long term and make a living in the modern American food system." Many farms chose to go wholesale and find themselves competing with farms that are more agri-factory than farm. While some do this spectacularly, setting themselves apart from the competition and gaining a loyal following, many others struggle to make ends meet- especially when figuring out how to appropriately scale up as they grow.

Other farms keep it retail, selling through farmers markets, CSA's and on farm. This market, too, is extremely difficult. I'm currently lucky enough to be in Future Harvest CASA's Beginning Farmer Training Program, and I hear it every week in class from new and experienced farmers alike- it's hard to be different enough from the competition, be true to your values, and make a living while selling in a market that can often feel over-saturated by new farms who are struggling to do the exact same thing.

Many farmers and markets also report that CSA sales are down, that farmer's market sales are declining. This is often attributed to a changing consumer base- one who is used to convenience, is busier than ever, cooks less than ever, and sees farmers' markets as a social gathering spot for ready to eat goods rather than weekly ingredients. Some of these same customers shy away from traditional CSAs faced with varying quantities of uncertain ingredients and a large up front cost.

That being said- traditional CSAs and farmers market are invaluable and make up a cornerstone of our local food economy. They can provide up front seed cost at a crucial moment, foster irreplaceable customer engagement in the food system and develop meaningful relationships between eaters who want to do good in the world, their food, and the hard working and talented people who grow it. They are are extremely valuable tools in the farmer's belt! We just want to make another tool available to farms and customers alike.

In a changing economy, one where subscription box delivery and meal prep services are a growing force driving how we eat, it's important as a farm to stay nimble and open to change. We want to create an option for good food eaters who want to keep it local, keep it sustainable, and keep it humane, but are busy with everyday life and need convenient, customize-able, healthy purchasing. We want to create an option for good food growers that emphasizes collaboration over competition- we can get farther toward each of our goals if we work together.

So we're growing and changing. We're new to this. And we depending on you to let us know what you think, and how we can better serve you. We've heard you say you need convenience, ease, and variety. So this week we're piloting a Farmer's Choice Box. Every week we'll fill it with good food surprises! Each box will still contain one microgreen or shoot, one package of mushrooms, three seasonal vegetable, and one local value added product. We're also offering a Simply Veggie Box, without the frills, for those of you who want a more traditional CSA experience (but with the added oomph of all our farmers working together to get you the best!). For customers who love choice and customization, you can still build your own box from our sale items if you'd like, adding in whatever you'd like each week. We'll also offer a Farmer's Choice Pastured Meat Box, with all the trappings to kit out your freezer with local pasture raised, good for the earth, good for the people, good for the land meat.

An added benefit of these new box options is that we can set subscriptions. There's still no contracts or commitments or up front costs. However, if you want to set it and forget it- you can. If you know you'd like a Black Bottom Collective Box every week, every other week, once a month, or however often, let us know. We can sign you up for whatever items you'd like delivered, your schedule, and your preferred payment method at any time. We unfortunately aren't able to offer this option through online purchasing (yet!), but would be happy to help you out over the phone or through email (420-657-2331 or hannah@blackbottomfarmsllc@gmail.com).

The super simple answer?

We want to grow food that's good for the Earth, the animals, the farmers, and you. And we want to get that good food to your plate.

Let us know how you'd like to see us do that.