|
Fire Ring Farm's CSA
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It means a community of people who come together to become direct supporters of a local harvest. Some people have heard of this new way to be involved in farming, where "you get a bag of vegetables every week". How does it work at Fire Ring Farm? Why is it a good idea? How do I become a shareholder? Here in a very small part are some answers to those questions. If you have more thoughts or questions, please email me at Nancy@fireringfarm.com.
|
|
What is a CSA? With CSA, you, as a consumer, "buy in" in springtime to our farm's summer harvest. In essence, you buy a membership share of the harvest and then the land and farmer pay you back with vegetables all summer. During the summer, once a week, shareholders will come to the farm to pick up their bags of vegetables and fruits. You will get a mixed bag of whatever is being picked, and the food will change as the harvest changes over the growing season. In addition, you as a shareholder take on some of the risk of the harvest, as well.
|
|
|
How does it work at Fire Ring Farm? - Shareholders join us during January. We start our seeds in February planting in the ground in April and May. The harvest and pick up will start around the middle of June , and we hope to run until the middle of October. Once a week, on a set day and a set window of time, you will come to the farm to pick up your bag. One share is a bag of fresh, organic produce that a family of four will probably eat in about a week. If this seems like an inexact definition of 'share', that's because it is. Some weeks shareholders get 15 lbs. of produce, some weeks they only get 8 lbs. Half shares are available at a reduced price if a full share seems like it will be too much.
|
|
|
Why is it a good idea? Many small farms are moving to the CSA model for a variety of reasons. First, it guarantees a fresh, local harvest with as few "food miles" as possible. Food is grown for you, picked for you, and it all happens on a farm and by a farmer you know. Second, the CSA model is a way to ensure the continuance of small locally owned and operated farms, an increasing rarity these days. The CSA members share the risk and the rewards of farming. The shares are non-refundable; some years you get more than you expected, but there is always a chance you might get less some seasons. In essence, the idea is that the community makes a commitment to the farm and the farmer to stick it out through thick and thin.
|
|
How do I become a member? The 2012 CSA Shares are sold out. Thank you for your support. Contact us if you want to be placed on our 2013 waiting list and receive our newsletter. Email your questions about shares and half shares etc. to Nancy@fireringfarm.com
|
|
