Frequently Asked Questions
There are many factors that go into small scale farm production that are different than larger industrial production.
The Gathering Place Co-Op (TGPC) is nourishing the co-operative spirit of Albertans. We realized that farmers needed a better and more sustainable way to sell their products and bring local food directly to consumers and that we could do it if we worked together. The Gathering Place is where we come together as a community–connected by farm-fresh food.
Look for our store front and restaurant on Highway 831 south of Long Lake.
Opening soon!
Currently, as we are forming our co-op, our producers come from Waskatenau, Colinton, Smith and Thorhild.
Currently our beef is 100% grass fed and finished. What this means is that our cattle are not given any grain. Traditionally we work directly with our cattle a little bit longer and the costs of processing one animal at a time differ significantly from processing multiple animals in the industrial system. When you buy a pound of our beef it comes from the same animal.
All turkey used by TGPC is free range. This means that our turkeys are raised in a peaceful farm setting spending much of their time growing outside and basking in the northern Alberta sunshine. They forage, run and play outdoors. They only eat hormone and antibiotic-free food. They are raised by a conscious small-time farmer.
Our pork is raised the slow and natural way that remains soy and corn free. They are outside in an environment of mud, grass and freedom. They have a life that is very happy and they are not being force fed or laying on concrete. The processing costs are much higher.
Our co-op works with our local people and producers right here in the North. We strive to pay the producers a fair market value for the cost of production and provide proper wages for the people living right here in Alberta. We created a space to have the tomato grower and the sauce maker work together and enhance our local food system right here in the north. We are not like the grocery store, we are building a sustainable, long term food system here at home
Organic practices mean that we plant, weed, water, and harvest by hand vs the industrially produced vegetables imported by the grocery stores. We pay humans for this effort and hope that we have a successful harvest. There are many elements that affect organic practices that are very different from automated indrustial production.
Yes, please contact us with any requests.
Yes, all products will come labeled with ingredients and preparation instructions and we are continually updating our website.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our fundraiser! We hope you will consider becoming an ambassador for Northern Alberta products made with heart and hope! Our co-op is simply humans working with humans in a way that we all understand! Co-operation works! Sustainable and authentic!
