How to find farm shares in Toronto

If you're interested in sourcing produce from local farmers but don't dig the market scene, farm shares might have significant appeal. Also known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), purchasing a farm share gets you a weekly pickup of seasonal produce at a pre-determined location in Toronto. Given that this isn't a full delivery scenario, most people select the farm they want to deal with based on the convenience of the drop-off location, but with a number to choose from in the general downtown area, it's possible to chose based on the type(s) of produce on offer or price (boxes typically range from $20 to $40 depending on what's on offer).

One of the problems farm shares have faced in the past is just getting word out that they exist. While many people have tried out organic produce delivery to their door or hit up a farmers' market, this more intimate and locally focused option has received less attention. That might be set to change with the creation of a new website that maps farm share locations across Toronto and provides information about the participating farmers. Locally Sourced provides information on 50 or so farm shares in Toronto, all plotted on a Google map. Navigating the site, I was surprised to find that Wheelbarrow Farm has a pick up location about a hundred metres from my apartment. And there are three other farms accessible within about a kilometre radius.

Those looking for the freshest of produce and to forge a relationship with local farmers would do well to check out this option.