I moved from farming organic strawberries in sub alpine where it gets bitterly cold, around 1800k north and now farming cattle (nguni) because my diet changed to carnivore (health reasons) and the difference in temperature is so significant, even if I wanted to grow strawberries, it would be very short season to grow, so I’m not the expert in the area, but what I have found is really learning who your customer is, goes a long way.

CSA models – that’s sort a subscription model is popular but often they are for pick up / delivery of more of the staples.

I think if it were me, and I’m going totally out on a limb here, I would be looking at similar things to what you suggested, higher value, more ‘scarce’ style of popular produce, but not sure if a subscription model only because I think people in general have good intentions, but life gets in the way, and they have no concept whatsoever on when a mushroom is ready, there’s not another 5 days to get there, because they go busy.

I think your idea has merit but very loose in the real direction, and that’s because you’re in the exploratory stage, but I think you need to do some more research on trending styles of eating, gaps in the market, dry crop, or possibly more water tolerant produce. That’s me just looking in when you say your neighbour can out do you on price and probably variety as well.

Are there any statistics you can get hold of that outline gaps in the market or more ’boutique’ style of produce. I know garlic is popular, but don’t know about a subscription model, and I know some people grow valuable crops such as saffron, but don’t know your climate well enough.

Can you elaborate on your thoughts on ‘shrub fruit’ – I don’t quite understand but that could be a cultural interpretation.

Now full disclaimer here – I’m not an expert but I do a lot of research and have found that you get better results, in my opinion, in scarcer, well grown, delicious produce that people line up for, because it tastes so good. Our strawberries had a good start through mentorship with John a few years ago when he wasn’t as busy as he is now, or as large, and our foundation was solid, and we sold our property and mentored a younger couple who are now organic farmers with skills we shared to help them overcome the learning curve. I think quality produce, a great beginning story where you take new people along with you on your journey so that by the time you’ve got something established and ready to sell, people are lining up because they know you.

It’s a mixed answer without any real solutions but more questions I guess. 🙂 😃