We are a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, which is a crop sharing scheme that shares the risks and rewards of producing food between the farmer and the consumers. We are part of a network of CSA farms across the country.
Gibside Community Farm (GCF) was established as a members cooperative Community Interest Company (CIC), in 2013. We began in the walled garden at Gibside National Trust and in 2017 moved to a 14 acre (5.8ha) field near Burnopfield leased to us by Gibside National Trust estate.
Our history and partnership with the National Trust.
Our values
Gibside Community Farm is committed to growing seasonal organic produce by farming sustainably, for social good. We offer a learning, supportive and vibrant community that’s open to all.
We aim
- to use farming methods that adapt to the impact of global warming, reduce our impact on climate change and supports the natural habitat and wildlife.
- to create a fun and sociable community for our members and to serve and involve a wider community.
- to be financially viable and independent whilst also ensuring we are open to all.
- to be a learning environment internally and externally.
Weekly veg bags
Seasonal weekly veg bags are available through our Friends and Neighbours scheme. People can order what veg they want each week and pick it up from a member’s house near to where you live or from the farm on work days. Find out more about becoming a member.
Where else to buy our veg
We sell veg on our display shelves at Gibside National Trust estate with a donation box, at local farmers markets and to other local veg box schemes.
Gibside Community Farm co-operative
Gibside Community Farm has a team of three elected directors who oversee the management of the farm, help steer its future development and take on individual areas of responsibility. The directors are appointed on a three-year cycle.
Other members also take on individual areas of responsibility such as Friends and Neighbours veg bags, obtaining funding for discreet projects, social media and environmental surveys.
Current volunteer vacancies
We are always looking for help from people with skills that could assist with the running of our co-operative. Currently, we are particularly looking for people to work alongside existing members on the following:
- Communications and marketing
- General admin support
- Processing veg bag orders
Have your say
As a co-operative, all members can influence the co-op’s direction by attending our general meetings. These are currently held monthly and are advertised in the weekly bulletin to members. We also have sub groups to do more detailed planning work and all members can become part of these groups. These are:
- Growers group which decides on what to grow and where
- Directors group which oversees the co-op and its finances
- Wild flower survey conducted annually