What is “Community Supported Agriculture”

I have heard a lot of talk about the rising cost of eating healthy, especially when it comes to produce.  Last year my family did a significant amount of shopping at the Rochester Public Market and other Farmers’ Markets instead of the local grocery stores.  This year my family will be getting our produce from a Community Support Agriculture program.  Have you ever heard of CSA, Community Supported Agriculture?  The United States Department of Agriculture describes a CSA as:

Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or “share-holders” of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.

For the June - October 2009 Season my family has paid to be a part of the Windy Meadows Farm CSA.  The cost of this CSA is $250 for 22 weeks of vegetables picked-up at the Farm ($11.36/week), $300 if picked-up at a pick-up location other then the Farm ($13.63/week), and $350 for home delivery ($15.91/week).  We will be picking up our weekly share at the farm in West Walworth.  This particular CSA does not have a work requirement, just a financial commitment.  I am really looking forward to this new way to get fresh veggies for my family to eat.  Here is a list of some of what I am looking forward to from Windy Meadows Farm:

June: Arugula, , beets, radishes, Swiss chard, salad-mix, spinach,  parsley, sugar snap-peas, zucchini, cilantro, dill, basil, green beans, scallions, strawberries.

July: Beets, Broccoli, Swiss chard, cucumbers, green beans, peppers, salad-mix, spinach, scallions, zucchini, summer squash, patty pans, basil, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme, turnips, sweet corn.

August: Beets, Broccoli carrots, Swiss chard, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, cantaloupe, salad-mix, scallions, peppers,  sweet corn, tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, basil, cilantro, dill, mint, sage, oregano, parsley, thyme.

September: Beets, Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, scallions, peppers, potatoes, winter squash, salad-mix, spinach, tomatoes, mint, sage, parsley, basil, cilantro, dill, oregano, eggplant.

October: Beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Swiss chard, collards, salad-mix, scallions, potatoes, spinach, winter squash, eggplant, peppers, Apples, collards, onions, parsley, sage, potatoes, pumpkin, acorn squash, butternut squash, Carnival squash, assorted winter squash.

I am also looking into a CSA for some seasonal fresh fruit.  At the top of my list right now is G and S Orchards. Their information for the 2009 season is not yet available online.  However, I am on their mailing list and I received my information in the mail today.  G and S Orchards does offer Full and Half Shares as well as Summer, Fall, and Winter Season options.

Summer Share - 10 weeks Mid June through Mid August
Full $130, Half $65
Fall Share - 10 weeks Late August through Late October
Full $120, Half $60
Winter Share - 8 weeks Early November through Late December
Full $88, Half $44

I think that our family will sign up for a Half share of fruits for the Summer season.  The 10 week Summer  share includes: Strawberries, Rhubarb, Dark Sweet Cherries, White Sweet Cherries, Black Raspberries, Red Raspberries, Purple Raspberries, Yellow peaches, White Peaches, Blueberries, Plums, Apricots, Paula Red Apples, and Melon.

To Find a CSA, Farmers’ Market, or a Co-op go to www.locaharvest.org and you can enter your zip code to find one in you area.