Our farm will begin a CSA program this fall in October. Here is some information about CSA's and what Small Wonder Organic Farm's CSA will be about.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Every model is different, but basically a CSA offers people access to fresh, local food, and helps them form a strong relationship with their farmer. Farmers grow food throughout the season for their community, and each member receives their share of the harvest. The CSA model asks for members to pay for their share up front, which helps both the farmer and the CSA members. This lessens the financial burden on farmers for fronting the costs of an agricultural operation. At the same time, members have the assurance and convenience of receiving local, fresh produce that they have already paid for. Members also have input into what items they would like their farmer to grow.
How does Small Wonder’s CSA work?
Distribution of shares for the winter 2010/11 season will begin in late October, before Halloween. Members can expect to receive seven shares total, five dispersed every two weeks until Christmas, and the last two once a month in January and in February. Two share pickup days are offered, one on Saturday mornings in Bath and one on Wednesday afternoons in Gardiner. The cost is $300 per share, which feeds a family of four or five, or a couple who eats quite a lot of produce (i.e., your farmers).
What can you expect to receive?
Eating locally means eating what’s in season. In every share you will receive some staple storage vegetables, such as carrots, beets, potatoes, onions, cabbage, etc. Prior to Christmas, expect to see squash, brussel sprouts, spinach and other leafy greens in moderation. We are also growing shallots, turnips, celeriac, garlic, parsnips, leeks, rutabaga, kale, kohlrabi, pumpkins, mache, and arugula. In every share we will also include recipes, suggestions, and notes from the farm.
Will I get my money’s worth?
More than your money’s worth. By buying local produce from a farmer, prices are lower than what you pay for an equivalent product shipped from who knows where, and sold through a middleman. The produce you receive is certified organic, and each crop is harvested when at its peak, not harvested early for shipping convenience. Shares are limited, to ensure that each member receives their fair allocation.
Opportunities at the farm
Members are welcome to visit the farm, especially during the growing season. Bring a picnic, watch the birds from the water, and see your farmers and veggies in action. For those interested in spending more time on the farm, we are looking for a couple of working members to commit 4-5 hours each week in September and October in exchange for $100 off the share price.
Distribution Dates
Gardiner: Oct. 20th (on the commons), Nov. 3rd & 17th, Dec. 1st & 15th, Jan 5th, Feb. 2nd.
The Gardiner market moves indoors in November to Christ Church.
Bath: Oct. 23rd (on the waterfront), Nov. 6th & 20th, Dec. 4th & 18th, Jan 8th, Feb. 5th.
The Bath market moves indoors in November to the UCC Church.
Delivered Shares need to align with either the Bath or Gardiner distributions in terms of dates and general time of day. Call us to arrange delivery for 5 or more shares.
CSA Membership Form
Name(s) _____________________________
____________________________________
Address _____________________________
____________________________________
Phone # _____________________________
Email(s) _____________________________
Pick-up Location:
________ Gardiner Farmers’ Market
2-6 pm, Wednesdays
________ Bath Farmers’ Market
9-noon, Saturdays
Need an order delivered? We will deliver to a group of 5 or more shares, for $30 more per share. (total: $330 for delivered shares, each.)
Please call Pete or Sarah to discuss.
Make checks
payable to:
Small Wonder Organics
431A Browns Point Rd
Bowdoinham, ME 04008
