Ferme des Vergers + La Feve

The initiative presented involves La Ferme des Vergers and La Fève Cooperative (a farmer-owned participatory supermarket) in Switzerland, working together as part of a food supply chain. La Ferme des Vergers, created in 2018, plays a central role as a showcase and mother farm, connecting with other farms within the supply chain. It focuses on four main areas: maintaining the organic landscape of the Vergers neighborhood, organic vegetable production, raising public awareness through visits and events, and food processing through a vegetable preparation project. The latter project prepares vegetables for school canteens, addressing the need for equipment and resources in these kitchens. La Fève, open between 2017 and 2018, is the result of a 2014 citizen forum and brings together several cooperatives that supply the supermarket. It aims to promote a food transition by offering local products and encouraging consumer responsibility. Both initiatives aim to create a sustainable and solidarity-based food model, avoiding competition between producers and encouraging cooperation. The project is based in an eco-neighborhood in Mérin, which emphasizes citizen participation and sustainable agriculture. Despite challenges such as communication with residents and the need to secure additional space for expansion, the initiatives benefit from political support and a cooperative network. Future plans include expanding La Fève and developing new projects, such as food security programs, to improve accessibility and encourage resident engagement with local food systems.