Arizona Small Farm Co-Op Startup

Our Story:
In the summer of 2015, a small group of us farmers in Maricopa County, Arizona found ourselves working eighty hours per week, growing delicious and beautiful vegetables, yet barely able to make ends meet. Despite this hard work, we found that our individual efforts were not enough to sustain us and compete with giant, industrial, and conventional farms. Seeking support from others, we met and discussed how we could work together to improve our local food system. We needed to find a different way to do business, because it’s not sustainable the way it is. Now we’ve built trust and friendship, and Sun Produce Cooperative was formed in 2017 to keep small, local farmers on the ground, and transform the local food system in Arizona. “And that’s where you come in…”

Why local?
“When the farmer, the packer, the wholesaler, and the retailer all prosper in the same region, it creates opportunity for home-grown jobs, draws more people into agriculture, and fosters relationships between the people who buy food and the people who grow it.” Localized food supply chains are transparent, and allow us to celebrate food grown with integrity. Not to mention, when food is harvested fresh and doesn’t travel so far, it is nutrient-packed and tastes delicious!
*by Kathleen Merrigan, The Atlantic

Why a cooperative?
Everyone knows there is strength in numbers. Small-scale food producers, working independently, have a tough time earning enough from sales to stay afloat in a competitive market. As farmers, we are working our fields everyday, growing and harvesting the freshest food possible. Many can’t afford to visit potential customers and seek out new markets because they are so busy in the field. Farmer cooperatives keep farmers growing the food we love because they can pool resources and share expenses. Together, they are stronger.

Who are we?
Sun Produce is a growing group of local, small farmers practicing sustainable agriculture practices in Central Arizona.
Maya Dailey - Maya's Farm
Mattie Serna - Mind Wrought at Spaces of Opportunity
Gail Cochran - Roosevelt Center for Sustainability
Jacque Miller - Crop Circle Farms
Mark Rhine - Rhiba Farms
Frank Martin - Crooked Sky Farms
Jim Hagedorn - J and J Poms
Paris Masek - Green on Purpose
Dave Brady - Bar-B Produce
Seely Pratt - SoMo Farm


Why donate?
Your donation to Sun Produce Cooperative will allow the growers to hire a part-time employee to reach out to new buyers and expand their markets. Finding customers is crucial to the survival of small, local farms. Your donation will directly help build the local food systems and increase the capacity of small growers.