Urban Grains is a community supported agriculture program based in Vancouver, B.C. Started in 2008, we are the first ever CSA to provide local grain to people living in the Vancouver area.

We encourage everyone who is interested to join our mailing list. Not only will we keep you updated on the project’s development, but this list is the basis for membership sign-ups - opportunities to purchase sales are offered to mailing list members on a first-come, first served basis.

For any questions, comments or media inquiries, please contact urbangrains(at)ffcf.bc.ca.

To join our mailing list, simply fill out the form below.

Urban Grains FAQ

What is a CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a socio-economic arrangement between one or more farmers and a group of individuals who pay a membership fee entitling them to a share of a season’s harvest. Urban Grains uses this model because we believe it is ideal for supporting  local agricultural production and food consumption and fostering a strong consumer/producer relationship. It supports the farmer up front with capital to grow the crop, guarantees a market and helps to cultivate a local, sustainable food system.

It is important to be aware that the CSA model has an inherent degree of risk built into it. While every effort is made to ensure success, this cannot be guaranteed. As a customer paying the share cost before a finished
product is delivered, an investment is being made in the entire process. Uncooperative weather or other factors beyond our control could lead to a sub-par harvest, resulting in each member receiving less than their 20 kg
share.

You can read more about the concept on Wikipedia.

What was the inspiration behind Urban Grains?

In 2007, residents of the Creston and Nelson area founded the Creston Grain CSA, the first community supported agriculture program for grain in BC. Upon hearing of its success, we decided to try and bring a similar model to Vancouver. A previous post on our blog (Live in Vancouver. Eat Local Grain.) provides a more detailed explanation.

How do I join?

Sign-ups for membership in  the 2011 season are currently under way. If you are not already, please sign-up for our mailing list below. Offers of membership will be sent out via email to those on our list in order of sign-up. Please note that last year demand was greater than we could supply, so we may not be able to offer a share to everyone who wants one. We’re doing our best to grow Urban Grains so that we can accommodate all of you!

Who is growing the grain?

Jim Grieshaber-Otto, Diane Exley and their two children manage a community-minded family farm that has been growing small amounts of grain for several decades. About 100 acres in size, Cedar Isle Farm partners with a neighbouring dairy farm to produce silage and hay (for both cows and horses), and pastures Angus beef cattle, layer hens, and free-range broiler chickens. The farm has always grown a few acres of grain each year – mostly oats and wheat – before Urban Grains, some was used as animal feed and some was sold to friends and neighbours.

What types of grain will be included in the CSA?

The 2011 grain crop will include hard red spring wheat and soft white spring wheat.

How much does it cost?

In 2011 each 20kg share will cost $95.

What if I have more questions?

Please direct any questions that could not be answered through the FAQ to urbangrains(at)gmail.com. Thank you for your interest in Urban Grains!