Introducing Rockwall Farmers Co-op

ROCKWALL, TX – February 8, 2022 — Tate Farms, one of Rockwall’s last working family farms, has just launched the Rockwall Farmers Co-Op. As food shortages continue to grow, local producers now have the opportunity to step in and provide where they may not have had the chance in the past.

Since farmers markets are only seasonal, farmers co-ops allow for year round purchasing. They are one of the best ways to support farmers, secure resources and eat well.

For those wondering what a Co-Op even is, here are answers to some of the most common questions.

What is a Farmers Co-Op?

Farmers Cooperatives involve cooperative efforts of a group of producers (farmers, ranchers, bakers, etc) all with the aim of producing a variety of goods for the security of all co-op members.

What are the benefits of purchasing from a Farmers Co-Op?

Consumers/members benefit: Those purchasing from the Farmers Co-Op receive ultra-fresh products that are healthier, local and more eco-friendly. Cutting out the middle man also ensures that you can secure food for your family when shortages and natural disasters occur.
Environment benefits: Purchasing foods produced locally reduces the food miles your food travels. Again, cutting out the middle man and giving you a smaller carbon footprint. You’ll also likely be supporting a small-scale, family farm that is much more sustainable and organic.
Farmers benefits: By partnering with other local producers they are able to reach more consumers and offer a larger variety of healthy, local foods.

How does it work?

Each Participating Producer will offer a variety of products to be ordered twice a month. Products may vary from week to week or stay the same.

Every 1st and 3rd FRIDAY of the month, Co-Op Members will have access to the Co-Op Shop. Members will have until the following Sunday at 10 p.m. to place their orders. All orders will be put together that week and available for pick up the 2nd and 4th Friday (10am-7pm) and Saturday (8am-5pm).

In short: Shop goes up on 1st and 3rd Friday and orders are available for pick up the 2nd and 4th Friday. Pick up will be at Tate Farms, 12992 S FM 548, Rockwall, 75032.

How much does it cost?

There is a once yearly member fee of $20. There is also an eight percent service fee with each order to cover hosting fees, credit card fees, bags, labor, etc. There is no tax on the products so the eight percent is similar to a tax.

How do you join?

The Rockwall Farmers Co-Op has its own website, rockwallfarmerscoop.com, that makes it easy to join, browse products and place orders.

Who are the farmers and producers?

All of the producers are vendors at the Rockwall Farmers Market in Rockwall and/or the Staple Goods Market at Standard Service in Heath so you will see some familiar names:

Tate Farms (beef, pork, honey, seasonings)
La Casita Salsa (salsa, tomatillos, pickles,
chips and more)
State 28 Farm (micro greens, produce, goat
milk soap, jams and more)
Farm Stoehr (raw goat milk and a variety of
farmstead cheeses)
Bravado Biscuit Co (sliced sourdough bread,
frozen take&bake biscuits and more)
Bonafide Betties Pie Co (a variety of whole
pies)
Bliss Coffee Roastery (a variety of whole
bean and ground coffees)
The Mojo Baked Goods (cinnamon rolls,
cakes, muffins, puddings and more)
The Salsa Texan (coconut flour tortillas,
chips, salsa, pimento cheese, chicken salad and
more)
Borgo Foods (handmade pasta, traditional
Italian sauces, red wine vinegar, olive oil and tiramisu)
Maple & Bluebonnet (homemade buns, pizza dough, artisan breads and more)

More vendors may be added as the Co-Op grows but will always be local, small and thoughtful producers. To find out more info about the Rockwall Farmers Co-Op, visit rockwallfarmerscoop.com.

Sponsored article published in collaboration with Rockwall Farmers Co-op.