Partnering with New South Coop

The Locals Food Hub is excited to partner with New South Coop, bringing a new community-supported agriculture (CSA) to the Conway community. 

New South Coop is a farmer-owned cooperative based in Little Rock that supports the livelihoods of small-scale Arkansas farmers while connecting people to fresh, local produce.

In the CSA model, customers sign up and pay in advance to receive a weekly share of fresh produce throughout the growing season. This model has many benefits for both farmers and consumers, making local produce a convenient choice for customers while securing small-scale farmers a market for whole growing season.

Working together as a cooperative helps farmers by allowing them to consolidate marketing, distribution, and technical training so they can turn their energy to growing the best produce possible. New South Coop growers are all Certified Organic or Certified Naturally Grown, demonstrating a deep commitment to both the environment and long-term health.

Additionally, as a farmer-owned business, Foodshed Farms is able to support their farmers’ livelihoods in ways that traditional agriculture typically doesn’t. While USDA research shows that farmers nationwide receive an average of only 15 cents for every food dollar spent, Foodshed Farms gives 80 cents of every dollar right back to local farmers.

The cooperative CSA model also allows shareholders to experience the best flavors of Arkansas while trying new vegetables and learning to cook in new ways. In addition to your weekly share of produce, you’ll receive a weekly newsletter with recipes, cooking tips, and stories from the farms your food is coming from.