Join as a producer

Why we're building this

What we believe, in our own words. These are our views, not measured results.

• Our food system is broken, and it doesn't have to be

  Produce grows out of the ground. Getting it from a field to a table near that field should be simple. Today it isn't.

• Food prices follow things that have nothing to do with food

  Grocery prices are tied to long-distance transport, and transport is tied to global oil prices and events far away. A vegetable grown down the road shouldn't cost more because of that.

• Scale has pushed out the small farmer

  Large centralized farms have taken out small farmers through scale. We think local farms, gardens and growers should have a real role again.

• Your customers should be your neighbours

  Each customer sees producers within 150 miles of their own location, not the whole network. That keeps transport short and ties you to your own community, with less outside competition.

• You set your own prices

  Producers list their own items and set their own prices. CFT never sets, caps or changes a price.

What we're building for producers

These are plans for launch; none of it is live yet.

• Customers near you

  Customers will see producers within 150 miles of where they live, so the people buying from you are your neighbours.

• Your items, your prices

  You list your own items and set your own prices. CFT never sets, caps or changes a price.

• A profile in your own words

  A producer profile where you describe your farm or kitchen and how you work. Practices are shown as your own statement.

• Clear rules for prepared food

  Meals and prepared foods list every ingredient, and each ingredient must be something found in a home kitchen.

Who can join?

Food producers within 150 miles of Chicago who share our values.

• Farmers

• Gardeners

• Egg and dairy producers

• Bakers

• Cooks and chefs

• Food makers

Getting started

1. 1

   Apply

   Tell us about your business, what you grow or make, and where you are.

2. 2

   We review your application

   We check that you are within 150 miles and that your products fit our standards. We may ask follow-up questions.

3. 3

   Set up your profile

   Approved producers are invited to set up a profile and list their own items and prices.

4. 4

   Sell at launch

   When the marketplace opens in your area, customers nearby can buy from you.