Once again we had the honor of working with Jered Lawson and the Pie Ranch team on another inspiring project. Over the last few years we have had the privilege of chronicling many of the ways they are helping to create a healthier food system, but their latest project may take the cake. Pie Ranch is bringing the classic CSA model to the next level, providing healthful food to thousands of people by partnering with Google. They are calling it ‘Farm to Firm to Family.’ In this innovative model, Google is providing funding up front at the beginning of the growing season, like a typical CSA member would, which gives Pie Ranch financial stability and more time to focus on growing great food! Many players have come together to make this idea a reality. The Garibaldi family, who have farmed the Año Nuevo site for generations, are providing nearly two hundred acres for Pie Ranch to expand into, as well as their invaluable knowledge of the soil, the climate, and the farm equipment.
This is only the beginning! This is a model that can be replicated up and down the coast, and across the country, linking small, organic farms with companies, universities, hospitals and other large customer bases. The potential here is huge!