Cultivate is a community owned, community run veg box scheme striving to source the highest quality, local and ethical produce for Oxford.
Sourcing directly from farms, local businesses and producers we are a co-operative that boosts the local economy while maintaining a commitment to be low carbon, low waste and use only biodegradable or compostable packaging.
We only stock produce that we are happy has been produced in an ecologically-friendly and sustainable way. This means that most of our local produce is organic or grown on farms working towards organic certification. If we have to look outside the local area for our produce we ensure it’s organic, has little or no packaging, and that it’s transported in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Transparency is key so we work closely with our suppliers to understand where our produce is from and how it’s produced so you can be confident in what you’re buying.
We provide small, local producers with a route to market and pay them fairly (50-70% of the sale price).
Our efforts boost the local economy, keeping money circulating in the community.
We are joining a growing movement of social enterprises embedded in the productive economy but guided by the community and run for the greater good. We aim to be a model of co-operative enterprise, strengthening the local food economy by complementing and collaborating with other local food businesses in order to increase our collective reach and capacity.
Moving towards our vision in Oxfordshire depends on a movement of growers, consumers and citizens coming together to support a vibrant local food culture. As a co-operative, Cultivate will act as a bridge between these groups by providing a platform for action, as well as engaging people through retail, outreach, farm visits, volunteering opportunities and an active civil society presence.
We need to equip a new generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for a sustainable food system. We are investing in our own education and will pass on our learning through new partnerships with other local growers and organisations.
