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One of small-scale agriculture's fastest growing niche markets is community supported agriculture (CSA). As the name implies, a CSA farm directly serves a "community" or group of customers families. Members (or subscribers) purchase "shares" in the weekly harvest on an annual basis, committing to the farm early in the year. The CSA arrangement is beneficial to both farms and the people they serve. The farmer benefits, by having all or a portion of operating funds, up front. This allows for planning, ordering seeds and supplies, planting and production to proceed with the knowledge that the "market" for the farm's produce has been secured. The CSA arrangement has allowed hundreds of farm families to continue doing what they love (and do best) --farming! The consumer benefits, too! Members receive a diverse supply of fresh, organic produce, with the farmer's face on it! For the customer, the decision to participate in a "local" CSA program greatly decreases the distance between their food and the person who grows it. No more guessing where or how their fresh food supply is produced! Joining a CSA does more to encourage sustainable agriculture and further environmental health than any other consumer action. The direct link to the farmer, through CSA gives the consumer the choice of maintaining control over the food they eat. |
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| In return for your pre-paid commitment we will
provide a variety of produce, according to what is ready to harvest, for
the number of weeks planned for each season. (Call Ray and Virginia
for details and current cost of membership.)
You will get your weekly "share of the harvest" at the farm, on pre-arranged pick-up day (s). WHAT WILL I GET EACH WEEK? We grow a large diversity of vegetables, vine fruits, herbs, edible and cut-flowers, plus the tastiest strawberries! Your assortment will vary in amount, be a little different, as we progress from early to late crops. You will be eating in-season, according to what is ready to pick each week. We grow more than one variety of many of the examples shown on our menu page Compliment your family meals: The produce you receive normally supplies a family of four .... two adults (teens have adult appetites), and two small children, to compliment your family meals. OR If yours is a vegetarian home, the amount is usually sufficient for one to two, depending on your unique eating habits. Notes from the Farm: Along with your produce, you will find an at a glance contents listing and comments on how to store, or prepare vegetables you may be unfamiliar with. We often include recipes for special dishes, and will try to let you know what may be ready to harvest in coming weeks. We'll include interesting articles, current farm news, crop reports, and announcements. Vagaries of Nature: At the farm, we plan, plant and manage the growth of our crops in succession so we won't run out. There are times, that in spite of all the dedication and prayers, nature does not cooperate with our schedules and best intentions. When this happens there may be less of some crops. Nature always has the upper hand! Our members understand the natural processes we work with. Since we replant at regular intervals during the season, what may be lacking one week will show up in future boxes. Visits to the Farm and Event Days: Members are welcome to visit the farm at almost any time -- BY APPOINTMENT! Since we are not always here (we do have other off-farm chores and activities) we encourage you to CALL AHEAD! We also hold volunteer work & fun days, encouraging members to get involved. What about the member who joins and cannot
continue? Once you make the commitment (and payment) to
Custom Gardens and our CSA program, the question of what to do with your
share becomes your responsibility. You may want to sell or otherwise
transfer your membership to another party OR you may wish to donate it
back to CSA. If you decide to donate your share, it will be given to a
local food bank, senior center - or to a family who will appreciate your
thoughtfulness! No refunds are made once your commitment is received by
Custom Gardens. To reserve your CSA membership, call in the fall for the following season. |
