FCC’s mission:
To communicate the idea of farming clubs widely, pilot effective clubs in a few locations, use this experience to produce “starter kit” materials, a handbook and associated educational media, convene Farming Club leaders, and supply start-up grants to incubate new clubs strategically across the globe.
What is a Farming Club?
It is a new model of how people relate to farmland and their food, at least in this modern era. Instead of paying someone to grow food for them, people work together to grow their food under the guidance of an experienced farmer. Club members save money on food, develop meaningful skills, build community, have access to nature, get regular exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Farmers become valued for their expertise, socially connected instead of isolated, earn income, and farm and steward land with non-professional labor.
Background: Small Farmer Relies on Friends
Jason Bradford of Confluence Farms in Corvallis, OR, was injured in the winter of 2024 but instead of quitting farming, he asked his friends for help. The crew of about a dozen got the cash crops harvested while being taught how to grow food for themselves. Jason’s body has healed, but his friends won’t go away. The Confluence Farming Club has become a thriving association of new farmers, being trained in diverse skills and gaining experience in all aspects of farm decision making and work. As we begin the 2026 growing cycle, the Club is steadily developing a robust set of useful governance and how-to documents, balancing the need for both structure and creativity, and responding to the educational needs of the members.