Deeper Roots Episode 3: Vanessa Wallock, Farmer & REKO Ring Founder

Deeper Roots headed out to Victory Garden Farm in Fredonia, WI to learn more about heritage breed animals and REKO Rings in the state of Wisconsin. Vanessa Wallock, Certified Organic Farmer & Founder of the Ozaukee County REKO Ring speaks with Trevor Thomas about sustainable farming,

What’s a REKO Ring?

“REKO is an acronym that loosely stands for fair consumption”, explains Vanessa Wallock. The word “REKO” itself is a Swedish acronym that roughly translates to “Fair Consumption” or “Sincere Consumption”. REKO Rings as a concept is a way to “cut out the middleman”, by selling organically produced goods directly to the consumers.

“We do it for the community, we get to know people, and when I moved back to Wisconsin I already had a built in community”

Vanessa Wallock, Certified Organic Farmer & Founder of Ozaukee County REKO Ring

Farmers Markets vs. REKO Rings

Most consumers interactions with local farming are through local farmers markets. Many have experienced going stall to stall on a small city street, picking up vegetables from stands. However, the most significant difference between a REKO Ring and a more traditional farmers market experience is that with a REKO Ring, the goods are purchased and paid for prior to the designated pick up time.

This REKO Ring model is more efficient for farmers, as they know exactly what to bring to the REKO ring, and only need to bring what is paid for, preventing waste. It also benefits the consumers because they have a bit more direct control in what they purchase, and the quantity.

Learn more about the history of REKO Rings, and the work that Vanessa Wallock does on her Victory Garden Farm in this week’s episode of Deeper Roots, with Blain’s Farm & Fleet.