Sales Are Down - Heartbeet Farm | The Hands That Feed Us: On Tour - Ep18

Recorded in Brockville, ON

What happens when a local farm has plenty of food to sell, but fewer people are buying it?

At Heartbeet Farm in Kanata, Ontario, farmer David Garvey is facing a challenge that many small-scale producers know all too well: sales are down. After years of steady growth, the farm is seeing fewer customers signing up for its seasonal vegetable boxes, despite increased marketing efforts and no price increases. The conversation brings farmers and local residents together to explore what might be behind this shift.

As grocery prices rise and household budgets tighten, small farms are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with large retailers. But price is only part of the story. Convenience, busy schedules, changing shopping habits, and the time and knowledge required to cook with seasonal produce all play a role in how people choose where their food comes from.

Could cooperative markets, shared retail spaces, and more accessible ways of buying local food help bridge the gap? Or does the challenge run deeper, requiring a fundamental shift in how we think about food, community, and the role local agriculture plays in our lives?

At the heart of the discussion is a tension between the desire to support local farmers and the everyday habits that often make doing so difficult. It forces us as Canadians to consider how we turn our appreciation for local farmers into meaningful action — and make supporting them a regular part of everyday life.

Check out Episode 18 below: