Co-operative Growing

One Farm, Many FarmersDaniel Brisebois joins us from La Ferme Cooperative Tourne-Sol near Montreal. The farm operates as a workers co-operative, where farm owners are the workers. When the farm started in 2005, sales were through both farmers markets and CSA baskets. Today, sales are entirely through CSA baskets. Work-Life BalanceThere is a focus on work-life balance. Vacation and parental leave — challenges for many farmers — are possible under the co-operative model.“It’s always been important to us that we don’t burn people out.” Seeds and BreedingSeed sales have always been part of the farm business, but were a small portion in the beginning — $700 in the first year. Today, the farm sells more seeds than vegetables, with an online seed store and seed racks in over 150 retail locations.Spreadsheet ManiacBrisebois believes in the importance of making business decisions based on data. He uses spreadsheets to collect and understand farm data. He shares his passion for spreadsheets through his Farmer Spreadsheet Academy. Daniel Brisebois website: goingtoseed.netLa Ferme Cooperative Tourne-Sol: fermetournesol.qc.caFarmer Spreadsheet Academy: farmerspreadsheetacademy.com