In the Cowichan Valley, where verdant farmland meets the ocean, a quiet revolution is unfolding. At the heart of this movement is the Cowichan Valley Cooperative Marketplace, affectionately known as the Cow-op—a collective of over 60 active members working together to reimagine how communities feed themselves. Economic Development Cowichan sat down with Laura Boyd Clowes, an active member and former Community Facilitator, to learn more about the collaborative efforts driving the Cow-op’s success and its impact on local food systems.
Founded in 2014, the Cow-op was born from a series of community consultations led by the Cowichan Green Community. The Cow-op’s mission has remained steadfast over the past decade: to promote food security, ecological sustainability, and the financial viability of farming. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” says Laura, “whether it’s financial sustainability for our producers or ecological sustainability for the land they steward.” It is a model that marries tradition with innovation, allowing producers to set their own prices, harvest to order, and minimize waste. The cooperative’s influence surged during the pandemic when Laura and the rest of the team rapidly implemented a contactless delivery system that served the entire region, providing an essential service at a critical time. In 2020 alone, they funnelled half a million dollars into the pockets of local producers, providing critical support during a time of uncertainty.
A defining feature of the Cow-op is its producer-owned, producer-led model. Governed by a board of directors elected from its members—local farmers and food artisans—the Cow-op ensures that producers have a voice in shaping the cooperative’s direction. At the heart of the Cow-op’s operations is an online shopping platform that bridges the gap between farm and table. Through a user-friendly interface, producers can create product listings, set prices, and receive tailored pick lists, reducing waste and streamlining operations. Each week, customers can browse an array of locally grown and crafted goods, placing their orders online for pickup or delivery. This streamlined approach has minimized food waste and removed barriers for farmers by handling invoicing, payment processing, and even logistics.
This tech-savvy approach has positioned the Cow-op as a leader among food cooperatives, inspiring other initiatives like the South Island Farm Hub. Together, these hubs envision a network of resilient local food systems across Vancouver Island, amplifying the benefits of digital platforms for sustainable agriculture. Innovation has been central to the Cow-op’s success. From rubber tote delivery systems to partnerships with other food hubs on the Island, the Cow-op is not just a farmer’s market—it is a blueprint for a regenerative local food economy.
As the Cow-op enters its second decade, it continues to adapt to shifting economic landscapes. “The Cow-op is on the front lines of a battle with global industrial monopolies,” says Laura. “Staying competitive while staying true to our mission is always a challenge.” Despite challenges, collaborations with regional food hubs, advancements in digital infrastructure, and a growing commitment to regenerative agriculture point toward a bright future. “Celebrating a decade of Cow-op is a testament to the dedication of our local farmers and the community’s commitment to sustainable, local food systems.” While the challenges of competing with industrial giants remain, the Cow-op’s model demonstrates that sustainability, innovation, and tradition can thrive together. The CVRD has proudly supported the Cow-op over the years, providing sponsorship funding to support the growth and expansion of its online marketplace into Victoria and strengthen its role as a cornerstone of the regional food economy.
This holiday season, the Cow-op invites the Cowichan community to make their Christmas shopping more meaningful by supporting local producers. With the online marketplace offering everything from artisanal preserves to handmade soaps, customers can give gifts that reflect the region’s values of sustainability and craftsmanship. Producers update an online inventory with fresh and seasonal products each Thursday, before the ordering period opens at 12:01 am and stays open until Monday at 11:59 pm. Orders are delivered weekly to customers in Cowichan on Thursday between 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, and in Victoria between 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Orders can also be picked up at the following locations:
- Providence Farm
- Whiffle and Hum Farm
- Lockwood Farm
- The HUB
- Mensch Kitchen and Catering
- Zero Waste Emporium
“Shopping through the Cow-op means more than just buying local—it’s an investment in the future of our community,” says Laura. The platform’s user-friendly design makes it easy to discover unique, high-quality gifts while directly supporting small-scale producers who care deeply about the land. Whether it’s filling stockings with local treats or choosing a sustainable centerpiece for the holiday table, the Cow-op provides a way to shop that aligns with the season’s spirit of generosity and care.
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