An urban farm will host a yoga class, a cocktail pop-up and nutrition workshops in November as part of a crowdfunding campaign for its relocation.
Employee-owned cooperative Kokkoya Organics aims to raise US$20,000 to kick-start its new farm in eastern Yangon’s Thingangyun township, where it will move in December.
Its two founders started the social enterprise in September, 2017 after noticing through their work with non-profit NEED Myanmar that the agricultural industry would more quickly hire young men than their female peers.
With a focus on organic farming practices, the female-operated farm in North Dagon township now sends out 70 boxes of fruit and vegetable every week, a number the team hopes to almost triple from their new site.
But Kokkoya Organics’ work does not stop at its farm: it buys from a Myanmar network of organic farmers and hosts training on everything from meal planning to apartment gardening as well as dinners led by award-winning chefs.
Its latest round of events include yoga at Yangon Yoga House, cocktails at Makers Market, a Myanmar-language urban farming talk at Pansuriya and a party at Port Autonomy.
Check the Myanmar Mix social calendar through November for dates and times of the eight gatherings.
The group’s self-styled “Kokkoya 2020” campaign aims to raise enough funds for new fencing, drainage channels, a greenhouse, growing beds, and a vegetable packing area.
Extra funds may see them construct a walk-in cooler, natural water filter system, a pond, an onsite café and more.
So far Kokkoya Organics has raised $4,245 on its fundraiser page, which states “farmers are facing greater challenges as weather becomes more unpredictable and extreme.
“Organic farmers in particular need support and encouragement to maintain sustainable agriculture highlighting an alternative pathway for food production in Myanmar.”
For more information and to make donations, visit the fundraiser page here.
