CSA- Community Supported Agriculture
What is a CSA ?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a relatively new alternative food system in our area. It is an agreement ,for one growing season, between a Farmer and a group of interested people. A CSA program helps support small family farms by providing them with working capital in advance to purchase seeds, fuel for the greenhouse, ect. In return the CSA participant receives fresh,organic,seasonal produce each week. As part of the program you, like the farmer are accepting some of the risks inherent in farming such as unfavorable weather conditions or pests. Every farm's CSA program is individually managed and no two programs are alike. Involvement in a CSA program is also to create a sense of community by allowing people to see where and how their food is grown. We have become somewhat desensitized with food. Grocery stores have allowed us to be able to purchase almost any kind of produce, any day of the year. Before I started farming, even I was unfamiliar with what is "seasonal" in our area.
What a CSA is Not:
Over the past few years the term CSA is being used and applied loosely to programs that provide food to people through various entities,individuals or farms throughout a region. Pre-ordering or packaging boxes with goods not grown from a specific family farm, but from a variety of people and places. We at Sport Hill Farm are in keeping with the original concept of a CSA. You are making a financial, supportive and spiritual commitment to us who GROW the produce you receive in your share. With the increasing interest in CSA programs, you need to be aware that many times produce is being bought & packaged from many different farms or regional markets. We at Sport Hill Farm follow the original intent of why CSA's were originally created.
The original intent of a CSA by founder Robyn Van En is as such: "Community Supported Agriculture(CSA) is a socio-economic model of agriculture and food distribution. A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge to support a farm operation where the growers and consumers share the risks and benefits of food production." As always we thank you for your support.
What is Sport Hill Farms' CSA Program?
Our program usually begins the end of May.beginning of June and runs through mid-October. It is a 21 week seasonal, eating program. Pick-up is only at our farm here in Easton and our participants are given the choice of a pick-up day. Each week you will receive 3-5 varieties of produce. We ask that each participant please bring with them a recyclable bag or two on your pick-up day. The spring begins a little slower with the cooler night temps. You will receive lot's of salad greens, radishes, bok choy, ect. Once summer rolls in you begin to see your old time favorites and larger quantities of produce. Fall brings back more delicious greens as well as squashes, ect. Our past CSA participants have enjoyed delicious garlic,onions,salad varities, arugula,radishes,beets,cantaloupe,eggplant , peppers,broccoli,cauliflower, carrots and the list goes on. Thank you to all who have signed up , OUR 2010 CSA PROGRAM is FILLED. If you would like to be added to our CSA waiting list please send me an e-mail at farmgal596@yahoo.com. Please note that if you are not involved in our program you may still come to our market to purchase fresh, organic produce. Participants enrolled in the program will be hearing from us in the spring regarding exact details of the 2010 program.