We envision Northeast Ohio filled with thriving farming and food entrepreneurs: where farms are viable businesses, farmland is a treasured resource, and local food is commonplace.
We support up-and-coming farmers, share innovative land-use and business models, facilitate networking opportunities and advocate community-based agriculture.
We connect communities and farmers, provide alternate market choices, and create venues that foster civic engagement through fun and informal education.
What's Happening
We are excited for opening day of our Farmers' Markets at Howe Meadow and at Highland Square! The Howe Meadow markets will begin on Saturday, May 12, and will run every Saturday from 9am-Noon until October 27, 2012. Howe Meadow is located at 4040 Riverview Rd. in Peninsula. The Highland Square markets (located at W. Market St. and Conger Ave.) are every Thursday from 4-7pm, beginning on May 31, 2012 and running until October 4. There are links to maps for each market location on the left side of this page. Click here to see a listing of this season's chefs, musicians, and special events at Howe Meadow!
JOB POSTING: We are accepting applications for the position of Countryside Initiative Coordinator. The complete posting is available here. Application deadline is May 18, 2012.
Are you looking for a CSA to join this year? You can find a listing of the Countryside Initiative farms which offer CSA's here. This list also includes farms who offer products for sale but not in a CSA form.
New for 2012; become a Farmers' Market Day Sponsor! For only $100 check out the benefits here. If you would like to register online, you may do so here.
Starting Your Farm Business; the 9 steps to writing a farm business plan. May 22, 2012 6p-9p Register Here
Specialty crop webinar Building Relationships with Regional Grocers presented by Terry Romp, buyer, Heinen's Fine Foods. May 23, 2012 7p -8p Register Here
Additionally, find all of the materials from the Raising the Salad Bar Workshop Series we held in November here.
We Are Looking for "Peeps"!
Thank you to all of our friends who have made recent donations! We couldn't support community based food systems without you!
Countryside Conservancy Partners with Wholesome Wave to Increase Access to Fruits and Vegetables for Area Low-Income Families.
Countryside Conservancy is very excited about a new partnership with Wholesome Wave, which enables us to match Ohio Direction Card purchases dollar for dollar (up to $20) beginning now, and continuing through 2012. The "Countryside Carrot Cash" program will increase the fruit and vegetable purchasing power of low-income families in our community. We are very grateful to Wholesome Wave for their partnership and support! Read more.
Other News
- The Northeast Ohio Agricultural Atlas is now available. Order your copy today!
- There currently are no farms being offered by the park for lease; check our website for future updates. The 2011 RFP document, and supplemental information documents are available for download here.