About the Program

The SSI Neighbourhood Farm Program is a community supported agriculture model bringing together training, access to land, and grass-roots funding to enable farms to grow food for their community. Together we are exploring new models of agriculture which support and empower local farms, provide food security and strengthen our collective resilience. A neighbourhood farm operates within a specific geographic area on Salt Spring Island to provide the surrounding neighbours with food. In a reciprocal relationship, the farmer engages with the neighbours to develop and implement a customized cropping plan that is specific to that neighbourhood. Neighbours support their farm and farmer, either financially or through labour, in exchange for a regular source of food. In recognition that interested farmers may lack access to land, experience or neighbourhood connections, the Neighbourhood Farm Program combines professional farmer training and mentorship, matching farmers with suitable land, and financial support from neighbours.