FarmWorks Investment Co-op’s Linda Best joins hosts Joel Skene and Michael Shuman to share how Nova Scotians are reclaiming their local food system by investing in community-rooted enterprises. FarmWorks has raised over $6 million from more than 500 investors and lent $10 million to 173 food and farm businesses. Best, a microbiologist by training, shows how local capital can regenerate regional agriculture, revive food processing infrastructure, and reduce reliance on ultra-processed imports.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Community Capital Live
- 03:11 The Genesis of FarmWorks Investment Co-op
- 06:03 Understanding the Investment Model
- 09:00 The Impact of Local Investments
- 11:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Local Food Systems
- 14:53 The Role of Community Economic Development
- 17:30 Navigating Financial Regulations
- 20:50 Client Success Stories and Economic Impact
- 23:39 Technical Assistance and Support for Entrepreneurs
- 26:39 Future Directions for FarmWorks
- 29:48 Audience Q&A and Insights
- 32:36 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
