Philosophies

Last week one of my new employees mentioned that he was getting a better feel for what Stone Coop is all about, but that it would take more time to fully comprehend.  It made me think about the branding we did last February and the mission statement we developed:
 
Friendly Farmers, Caring Consumers
At Stone Coop Farm we are friends with the earth and all its inhabitants down to the microorganisms in our soil.  We are dedicated to being better stewards of the land and sharing our knowledge with others. Stone Coop Farm is a neighborhood farm supported by folks that care about the long term health of our planet and future generations.
 
My husband used to work for Patagonia.  It’s owner, Yvon Chouinard, wrote a super book, “Let My People Go Surfing” about his company, their mission and their philosophies.  It’s about “making a living without losing your soul.”  Each time a new product line or project is researched they do an extensive review to ensure it will align with their company’s philosophies.  My employee’s statement that he was still trying to figure out what Stone Coop was all about, inspired me to more clearly define our philosophies.  When considering new farming practices, new growing methods, new employee procedures, etc., here are the questions we need to ask:
 
Friendly Farmers, Caring Consumers
We are friends with the earth and all its inhabitants down to the microorganisms in our soil.

• Does this improve our soil health and the health of the microorganisms in the soil? 
• Does this improve and increase the nutrients in the food we grow? 
• Does this create and maintain an environment that is good for ALL its inhabitants; people, animals, insects, even those we can’t see?

 
We are dedicated to being better stewards of the land and sharing our knowledge with others.

• Will this minimize our impact to our planet and our land?

• How do we share the things we learn about farming and growing food with our community? 
• Are we educating folks on our food systems so they can make healthy choices for themselves and their families?

 
We are a neighborhood farm.

• Does this build a community that supports our farm, our customers, and our neighbors? 
• Will this welcome everyone?  
• Will this enhance the quality of the community and its ability to share ideas and work together?   

We are supported by folks that care about the long term health of our planet and future generations.

• How can we attract employees and customers that are concerned about their personal impact on this planet and their neighbors? 
• Will our decisions today make this world a better place for the next seven generations (the next 140 years)?

 
I love that we have folks of all ages, races, religions and political parties that work on the farm. That diversity of mind, body and spirit does not hinder our joy in working together.  It allows us to create an environment where ALL are welcome!
 
I want to make a living without losing my soul and by having Stone Coop Farm’s philosophies more clearly defined, I can help others understand what is important to us.  How we answer these questions defines Stone Coop Farm and our interactions with our community and our environment.