A new website has just started with the aim of putting people with surplus orchard fruit which would otherwise go to waste in touch with others in the local area who might want to use it - see http://www.fruitshare.net. The only registrations so far are in the UK but it will work in the USA too! It is available for commercial orchards to use as well, and there is currently no charge for fruit seekers or fruit sharers. I hope this is of interest!
Excellent, Orange Pippin – you’re on the growing edge!
…is there the opportunity for commercial growers to ‘sell’ their product to interested folks -- or is this strictly a ‘give-away’ situation, like the local “Gleaning†programs that have been around for decades..?
Hi Viron, that is a very good question, and one that as you can imagine was much discussed during the development phase. I think we will go whichever way users of the site want us to go. The key principle is to encourage local distribution of fruit and prevent surplus fruit going to waste (I'm looking at my own Kidd's Orange Red tree through the window now as I write this!). I don't see why that can't include local commercial orchards too. As with anything online, it helps to build a critical mass, so if commercial orchards want to participate that will in turn encourage more fruit seekers, creating a virtuous circle - everyone gains.
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