Local Investment Fuels Expansion at Johnson's Backyard Garden

Photo by John Anderson

When members of the community-supported agriculture program at Johnson's Backyard Garden (9515 Hergotz, 386-5273) show up at the annual spring potluck dinner at the farm this Saturday, they'll have the opportunity to witness the basic principles of slow money investment in action – the farm is in the midst of a major expansion fueled by small local investments.

So what is slow money, you ask? The concept of slow money investment is an outgrowth of the international slow food movement (www.slowfood.com), which is dedicated to the preservation and exaltation of authentic artisan foods worldwide. The principles of this new investment strategy are detailed in a book titled Inquiries Into the Nature of Slow Money: Investing as if Food, Farms, and Fertility Matter (Chelsea Green, $21.95) by Woody Tasch. Savvy Austinites may remember that Tasch appeared on a panel during the 2009 Texas Book Festival and later spoke to a meeting of locals eager to learn more about his ideas. Two of the most attentive audience members were young farmer Brenton Johnson and his CSA member and investment partner Michael Krug. When they described the Tasch-inspired arrangement whereby CSA partner Krug financed the purchase of heavy equipment necessary for the farm's current expansion, Johnson recalls Tasch saying, "That's it – slow money in action." To purchase a CSA share or find out more about local investment opportunities at Johnson's Backyard Garden, go to www.jbgorganic.com or attend the spring potluck Saturday, April 10, starting at 4pm.