“Community supported agriculture” is a hot topic within the sustainability space at the moment. The idea is a simple one: farmers and other producers provide directly to consumers, cutting out most (or all) of the middlemen.

This creates a closer connection between between consumer and producer, and benefits both parties. Consumers typically get better prices or better food (or both); producers create a loyal customer base, and get some freedom from the tyranny of supermarket supply chains.

The pork we get from Farmgate is an example of this, and so is the lamb we’ve started ordering from Farmer George. Based out at Mudgee, Farmer George provides “packs” of lamb, either from his own lambs, or those of his neighbours. Once a month, he delivers them to your door.

We tried this for the first time last month. Farmer George sells either “half packs” (11kg) or “full packs” (22kg). Through a mix-up we ended up with a full pack, rather than a half pack.

With 22kg on our hands, and a household of two, we had a small panic. But the problem was quickly resolved by spreading the word in our small office. At a bit over $10/kg (half to a third of the price in the supermarket), there were quickly many takers.

The photo above shows the shoulder of lamb we took, along with several racks of lamb, sausages and chops. The shoulder roasted wonderfully, and the chops were divine.

So: great lamb, great price, and you get to chat directly with the farmer. What’s not to like!

We’ll definitely be ordering from Farmer George again 🙂