Charley Cummings

Charley Cummings, founder of Walden Local and Walden Mutual, is on a mission to connect farmers with consumers and turn the local food system on its head. He shares his transformative journey into agriculture, emphasizing the importance of small-scale farming over industrial methods. Charley discusses the obstacles he's faced, including challenges in financing for farmers, and reveals surprising insights about the impact of banking choices on the local economy. His work is about balancing sustainability with community engagement, urging listeners to rethink their food and banking habits.

Charley Cummings, founder and CEO of Walden Mutual Bank, discusses the impact of starting a cooperative bank focused on the regional food system. They explore the importance of accounting, building sustainable food systems, and the potential of decentralized and resilient food systems. They also highlight the role of banking relationships and long-term investments in driving change, while expressing contrarian views on regenerative agriculture.