CSA
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE: HOW IT WORKS
Consumers and farmers work together on behalf of the Earth and each other. While the farmer is tending the Earth on behalf of others, consumers share the costs of supporting the farm and share the risk of variable harvests (also share the over-abundance of particularly fruitful seasons).
Memberships in the C.S.A. are based on shares of the harvest. Members are called shareholders, and they subscribe or underwrite the harvest for the entire season in advance. Members help pay for seeds, fertilizer, water, equipment maintenance, labor, etc. In return, the farm provides, to the best of its ability, a healthy supply of seasonal fresh produce throughout the growing season. Becoming a member creates a responsible relationship between people and the food they eat, the land on which it is grown, and those who grow it.
CONNECTING THE CONSUMER, THE FARMER, AND THE EARTH
Our emphasis is on biodynamic farming practices, including but not limited to; Organic Fertilizers – Soil improvement is obtained by proper humus management. Farm manure and compost are the most valuable fertilizers. Organic Pest and Weed Control – Looking upon the soil and the farm as a living organism. Companion Planting – Mixed cropping so that plants can aid and support each other. Biointensive Methods – Focus on maximum yields from the minimum use of land, while simultaneously improving the soil.
WHAT TO EXPECT
For 20 weeks, you will receive freshly harvested vegetables and herbs. You will pick up your weekly share, every Thursday between 2pm-sunset, or by Friday morning by 10am. Our season starts June 3rd and continues until October 14th. We will be offering a drop-off service this year. If you would like to volunteer your home as a drop-off site, please contact us. We only need 5 shareholders willing to use your drop-off site in order to provide a new location for delivery.
Every week we will continue to provide a supply of the latest produce in season. As our seasons progress, so will your variety, including pie pumpkins and apples this year in the fall. We also offer an array of medicinal herbal products and teas, along with fresh culinary herbs, or add a bouquet of fresh cut flowers – these options are available per request in advance.
Projected Harvest for 2010 includes (not necessarily in harvesting order);
- Lettuce and Salad Mixes
- Variety of Greens
- Kale
- Collards
- Swiss Chard
- Spinach
- Peas
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radish
- Turnips
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage (4+ varieties)
- Burdock Root
- Potatoes
- Onions & Leeks
- Garlic
- Corn
- Beans (Bush & Pole varieties)
- Cucumbers (5 varieties)
- Eggplant
- Summer Squash (8+ varieties)
- Bell Peppers
- Hot Peppers
- Tomatoes (20+ varieties)
- Melons (5+ varieties)
- Stone Fruit
- Pumpkins
- Winter Squash
- Apples
You can also expect a variety of Culinary Herbs, including;
- Basil (4+ varieties)
- Fennel
- Dill
- Thyme (3 varieties)
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Cilantro
- Mint (3 varieties)
Additionally, we offer a variety of Medicinal Herbs for sale in 4” pots to grow in your own garden or pots. These will be available at the farmers markets throughout the spring and early summer.
As we grow and change with the seasons, we strive to provide as many options to buy local, organically made (and grown) products for you and your family. Thank you for your support, you make a difference.