We’re proud as pumpkins to have London's Only Community-Owned Farm here in Sutton, but they need your help.
This Small Charity Week we are sharing their press release to help them raise vital funds – see full details below.
Sutton Community Farm faces critical funding gap after business loan setback - their six-week campaign will ensure continued organic food production and community programmes
WALLINGTON - Sutton Community Farm, London's only community-owned organic fruit and vegetable farm, has launched an urgent crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000 after an unexpected funding setback threatened its sustainability plans.
The campaign receives a significant boost from Aviva Community Fund, which will double every donation up to £250, with up to £50,000 of match funding available in total. This means every pound donated could be worth two, dramatically amplifying supporters' impact.
The 7-acre South London farm, which has been cultivating organic food and fostering community connection for 15 years, needs to bridge a critical funding gap within six weeks to continue its vital work training future farmers and building climate resilience in the local area.
"We've just learnt that the business investment loan we built our five-year plan around won't be coming through," said Alice Brown, Farm Business Manager at Sutton Community Farm. "This unexpected development requires immediate action to keep our farm on track towards sustainability."
The farm produced 14 tonnes of organic fruit and vegetables last year, nourishing over 650 households whilst providing a welcoming space for more than 300 volunteers to connect with nature and each other. Unlike typical UK farms, which received 40% of their income through government subsidies last year, Sutton Community Farm received no public funding.
Climate Action Through Community Agriculture
The farm addresses climate challenges through three key approaches: prevention, adaptation, and community resilience. By growing 40+ types of organic fruit and vegetables without chemicals, the farm builds healthy soils that sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity whilst creating a short supply chain through its organic online farm shop.
"We're not just feeding people today - we're cultivating a more resilient, climate-prepared community for tomorrow," added Sonia Cropper, Head of Communications. "Our nature-friendly growing practices enhance the land's ability to withstand extreme weather events, whilst our community volunteering programme builds vital social networks of climate-aware citizens with practical skills."
Critical Six-Week Campaign
The crowdfunding campaign aims to keep the farm on track with its five-year business plan, ensuring growth towards financial resilience without dependence on unpredictable grants and loans. By 2028, the farm aims to be a fully self-sustaining enterprise generating reliable income whilst serving the community.
Funds will support uninterrupted organic food production during the critical growing season, vital community programmes, and business growth initiatives including a new website, pilots of new products and services, and expanded marketing efforts. These initiatives will sow the seeds of resilience for the farm, so it can serve the community for years to come.
The campaign offers rewards including exclusive farm-to-table feasts, seasonal organic veg boxes, hands-on growing workshops, and behind-the-scenes farm experiences.
