Our Vision
Founded in 2001, SCA aims to build a community around the production of food, whether that’s
delicious organic and biodynamic vegetables, or high-welfare meat and dairy raised from our herd of
grass-fed cattle. Membership is open to all, and members receive a share of seasonal vegetables
grown on the farm, as well as being able to buy eggs, milk, cheese and meat.
But it’s more than just another veg box. SCA puts community first – and that means a whole host of
activities and opportunities for members throughout the year. Whether its singing to the cows at
Christmas, supping soup and waving sparklers at our Bonfire Night celebrations, or skill shares to
learn scything, foraging, new recipes or other skills, there’s something for everyone.
SCA is run by and for its members – everyone has a vote, and all members can have their say on the
running of the farm at our Members’ AGM. And our growing team of weekly volunteers join us on
the farm every Thursday morning to weed, pick, plant, chat and have a great time. Everyone is
welcome to pitch in and support – whether that’s building new compost bays, re-roofing the toilets
or weeding the polytunnels, there’s a job for everyone.
The goals of our farm are simple. We want to grow a rich variety of crops, livestock and other
projects that both meet the needs of the farm and the community who eat our produce. We want to
pay our fantastic farm team – who work so hard, come rain or shine – a fair wage. We want to
provide opportunities for as many people as possible to make connections to the farm, and to
nature, in whatever ways work for them. And we want to manage the farm in a way that is
sustainable and sensitive to the ecological system that we are all part of.
If you like the sound of this, and would like to learn more, why not become a member? Membership of
SCA starts at just £3 / month for basic membership, which helps support the farm; veg box
subscriptions start at £42 / month.
Our Principles
The guiding principles of Stroud Community Agriculture are:
- To farm in a way that enhances biodiversity and reduces our carbon emissions.
- To develop a sense of community around the production of our food.
- To ensure our farmers have a decent livelihood and can afford to live in Stroud District.
- To continue to pioneer a new economic model based on mutual benefit and shared risk.
- To offer opportunities for learning, therapy and re-connecting with the life of the earth.
- To practice organic and biodynamic agriculture.
- To be inclusive in welcoming people from any background or situation, including those with low or no income.
- To encourage members, in co-operation with the farmers, to use the farm for their individual and social activities and celebrations.
- To be transparent in all our affairs. To make decisions on the basis of consensus wherever possible. To strive towards social justice.
- To network with others to promote community supported agriculture to other communities and farms and share our learning (both economic and farming).
- To work co-operatively with other enterprises that share our principles.
Our structure and management
Stroud Community Agriculture Ltd is incorporated as a Community Co-operative. As a Community Co-operative every member has a vote, which puts everyone on an equal basis. Membership spreads the costs and risks involved in the business.
At its annual general meeting members elect a Core Group of volunteers to act on the plans proposed and outlined at the AGM.
Monthly Core Group meetings are open to all Members and Farmers. Decisions are reached by consensus. The farmers are SCA Members too and are represented on the Core Group.
There are normally four farmers employed and a seasonal grower. Our teams operate in a flat management structure whereby all farmers take responsibility for ensuring the farm works effectively to produce organic vegetables and meat.
For the record
Stroud Community Agriculture Ltd (SCA) is a Community Benefit Society registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (from 1 August 2014). Its Financial Conducts Authority registration no. is 29578R – see here.
Company House Number IP29578R
Registered address:
The Exchange, Brick Row,
STROUD,
Gloucestershire,
GL5 1DF