We do business differently!
Food Connect business practices are markedly different from those in other corporate organisations:
- We give our farmers a far better financial return for their work than other organisations involved in the fresh food business.
- Our staff present educational talks and seminars to the general public about food issues.
- We organise regular farm tours and other events for our subscribers.
- Individuals cannot profit from Food Connect, except in terms of earning a fair wage for fair work.
- We provide, when feasible, opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the daily life of the Homestead (our headquarters).
- Staff have a major say in the running of Food Connect, particularly at our staff review days which are held every three months.
- We are environmentally aware in the Homestead, recycling everything possible. We even have our own worm farm for food scraps.
The table below summarises how we differ from traditional corporations:
| Traditional Corporation | Food Connect | |
| Primary purpose | To make profits for investors far removed from the place of business | To build a local/regional food system that looks after our farmers, subscribers and environment |
| Social and environmental responsibility | Shareholder profits take priority over these responsibilities | These responsibilities are our top priority |
| Start up capital | Large amounts of money are provided from banks and other corporations | We have never had access to money from banks or corporations. Our subscribers have put up capital through taking out subscriptions |
| Organisational structure | Typical hierarchical structure which is managed from the top down | Flat organisational structure with dynamic self-governance systems |
| Decision-making processes | Important decisions are made by a few people | Decision making is spread throughout the organisation and decisions are arrived at through consensus |
| Organisational size | As large as possible | Small and limited so that the organisation remains people-centred |
| Sales process | Develop product or service and advertise it for mass distribution nationally or globally | Provide service or product that is sourced and distributed in our region |
| Stakeholder priority | Investors are typically absent and at a distance | Our subscribers, farmers and staff have a stake in a food system that provides a better quality of life for all |
