Community Supported Agriculture.Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is an alternative food system… It represents an informal agreement forged on an annual basis between a farmer and a group of member to produce and distribute food. Members, sometimes referred to as shareholders, sharers, customers or consumers, are poeple concerned about where thier food comes from, how it is grown, and by whom. They recognize the connections between thier food choices and the economic system that supports it….” – The Community Supported Agriculture Handbook, The Center for Sustainable Living, Wilson College
Naturally raised, wholesome foods.
Why eat within community?? For some people it is the experience of tasting good produce… like the rich flavor that a tomato has out of the garden versus one that was picked green 1500 miles away, ripened in the back of a tractor trailer, and delivered to the produce section of any grocery. Others would say it is simply because they want to know where their food is coming from and how it is being grown. While others are choosing this method of eating as a way to reduce their environmental load. i.e..- cutting down on gas consumption in the transport of foreign goods or supporting farmers who are environmentally conscious in their land practices.
If you believe that it is important to eat within community we would like to provide you with the experience of eating locally grown, fresh produce on a weekly basis. You will receive quality goods that have been grown on our farm or on other local farms.
Education.
Part of the experience of being a member of a CSA is learning about eating locally and in-season. For example, some produce you will simply never get in your produce box. Why? Some items cannot be grown in Virginia, or more specifically this area of Virginia. The idea of ‘in season’ brings up the next point. What you receive weekly will depend on what is ‘in season’. For example, during midsummer one should not except to get asparagus as that is an early season cool weather crop. Joining a CSA is truly an educational experience. If you have never grown a garden this is your chance not only to eat exceptional quality food but also to find out what can be grown and harvested at certain times of year without having to do any work.
The Share.
The full share size is based on supplying enough produce for a family of 4 who eat a mixed diet or 1-2 vegetarians. Half shares are available; however, we encourage our subscribers to split a full share with a friend, neighbor or relative.
The Season.
The season runs for 20 weeks starting the middle of May through the first week in October. Some weeks produce amounts will be slightly less than others due to what can be harvested at the time. For example mid-summer deliveries will contain more produce and variation than early spring.
Payment & Cost.
Deposits are due at the time of commitment. This amount equals 1/3rd of total amount due. Subscriptions will be held by deposit only. Remaining fees are due either in full at the beginning of May or in two more payments. One is due at the beginning of May and the last being due at the beginning of July.
| Item | Cost for Full Share | Cost for ½ Share |
| CSA (fruits and veggies) | $717.88 | $391.39 |
| Chicken Share | $233.70 (1/wk) | $116.85 (1 every 2 wks) |
| Egg Share | $61.50 (1 dz/wk) | $30.75 (1 dz/2 wks) |
| Beef Share | $400 | No ½ share available |
| Lamb Share | $205 | No ½ share available |
| Turkey Share | $70 | No ½ share available |