Regeneration - a few thoughts

At the end of July we spent a few days in and around Porto, visiting a tannery and manufactory. The trip was wonderful. The meetings with our new partners were not only informative, but also warm and fulfilling. We can’t wait to see the new designs come to life, get excited! 

Our walks through the picturesque streets of Porto were enchanting, and the warm suns rays on our skin was balm for the soul. 

Finally some sun, we thought. It had been raining for weeks. The temperatures had been cool, almost like autumn at times. While last year's prolonged drought took its toll on nature, this year's abundant rainfall had many farmers fearing massive crop losses.

It's time for us as consumers to take responsibility for the way our food is produced. Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA for short, is one of the best ways to finance agriculture as a whole while getting fresh, healthy produce straight from the field in the region. This form of pre-financing, combined with a purchase guarantee from participating households, makes farms less dependent on market fluctuations and government subsidies. Together, all members share the responsibility, the risk - including possible crop failures - and the costs of producing the food, but also the fruits of the harvest.

CSA exists everywhere. Today we encourage you to look around your own region and see if there's a CSA you could join. Your involvement not only helps strengthen local agriculture, but also fosters a sense of community and connection.