The function of a farm is not simply to produce a product that is just sold on the market. It offers much
more than that. These small scale family farms establish social cohesion among community members.
It is often a location for people to gather, celebrate and socially interact with one another. This direct
linkage serves as a tool for reciprocity that not only maintains social structures but it also enhances
participation and trust. Reciprocity refers in this case to the act of giving something in return for the
service or product that someone else has given or done to/for you. As social ties are very close in small
rural communities this form of reciprocity is something that many people rely on, especially farmers
who have many small chores and seasonal duties on the farm. Trust is an important cornerstone for
building social capital in a community town or city (Moerbeek, 2001).