There is no food without farmers and there is no wholesyum baby without the incredible people who supply us with local fruit and veg.
Our first supplier, Trouble Acre Vegetable Farm has been with us since the very beginning. We were delighted to catch up with farmer Shawn by email to learn more about what inspired him to start farming, how he handles the inevitable and oft-changing challenges, and why he is committed to helping grow a resilient food system here on the south island. Enjoy!
What inspired you to start farming? Was there a specific moment or person that influenced your decision?
I started farming with a desire to better connect with nature and to further understand and support my local food system. For me, the events of 2020 provided an opportunity to both assess my place in this food system and make changes in my life to become involved. This directly led to the start of Trouble Acre and now 3 successful years in operation.
What are some challenges you face as a farmer, and how has community support helped you overcome them? Or what can the community do to support you?
Challenges are diverse and numerous in farming (the name 'Trouble Acre' is even an intentional nod to this). One of the most difficult challenges small farms face is finding consistent and reliable local channels to sell produce. This is made successful through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription boxes, farmers' markets, online platforms, or direct sales to some fantastic local grocers, restaurants, and business owners. However, these channels to sell are not without their own challenges and certainly require a lot of additional effort. Community support is simple: seek out local farms and buy local!
How do you see your role as a farmer impacting the health and well-being of your community?
I would like to believe my role as a farmer has a positive impact. The more farmers we have on the South Island, the more diverse, resilient, and healthy our local food system becomes, and I believe this makes a healthier community.
How has farming changed for you over the years, and what have been the biggest lessons you've learned?
Every year (and every day for that matter) brings new changes for farming. These changes are made all the more extreme and challenging due to climate change. The biggest lesson I've learned in farming is that failures are unavoidable. To keep going you have to roll with and adapt to the challenges and disruptions you will inevitably face.
What role do you think local farms like yours play in strengthening the food system and providing fresh, nutritious food to the community?
Local farms play an incredibly important role in strengthening the local food system, though the role is not as large as it should be. The South Island is home to many incredible farms and farmers and it still has the potential for more. When people seek out local produce they are supporting the success of these farms and helping build a stronger food system. It can't hurt that this also means fresher and more nutritious food in your kitchen.
For 2024, Trouble Acre’s produce is available at select grocers, restaurants, and local food suppliers. For direct sales, reach out directly or find them at the South Island Farm Hub. To learn more, check out their website and follow them on Instagram.
Know a local food hero we should feature here? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your story idea here.