What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA consists of individuals who come together to support a farm by purchasing “shares” in advance, before the growing season gets underway. Members also share the risks associated with farming and poor harvests due to unpredictable weather conditions, pests, natural disasters, etc. In return for their commitment, members receive a bountiful share of what we harvest throughout the growing season and gain knowledge and satisfaction of being able to participate in local agriculture and the local food system. By purchasing direct from our farm, you support your local economy, foster community support, join us in becoming stewards of the land, and help local small farms like us continue to operate.
#1 : Is a CSA Membership right for you?
We don’t want to turn anyone away from joining our CSA! However, we want all our potential members to know what they are signing up for.
#2 : How does a CSA work?
As a CSA Member, Iron & Elder Farm will provide you with freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, and herbs from early May to late July. Simply, you are purchasing a “share” of the produce we will grow, in advance, and once things are ready to harvest… you reap the benefits!
CSA pick ups will be at our farm at 5470 Sango Rd. When you sign up to become a CSA member, you will choose whether you want to pick up your box on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 2:30pm-5:30pm. Each week you can bring your own vessel (a bag, box, basket, etc) to your pick-up location and collect the items we’ve harvested for you for that week OR you can grab the produce box we’ve provided and return it the following week.
Please note that it is important that you arrive during the set “pick-up” hours assigned for your pick-up location or communicate with us in advance.
What’s in a Share?
YOUR SHARE WILL BE PACKED FULL OF THE BEST SEASONAL VEGETABLES AVAILABLE IN OUR FIELDS EACH WEEK.
The specific veggies you find in your box will change through the seasons: from radishes and lettuces in spring to zucchini, tomatoes & peppers in summer, etc.
Each share will contain approximately 7-8 different vegetables. Several of these veggies will be familiar staples, like kale, lettuce, carrots, onions or potatoes. Then there will be a few highly seasonal items: these will be things like broccoli, tomatoes, peas and peppers. There will be times that you may get a vegetable that you might be less familiar with. These could be things like hakurei turnips or kohlrabi: items you’re unlikely to find at a grocery store but that are delicious & wonderful veggies!
#3 : Review Our CSA Terms & Conditions
These are the rules & guidelines that your guide your CSA Membership. Please review them carefully as there is information in there on just about everyting, from pick up day & time to payment to splitting shares to vacation weeks.
#4 : ARE YOU IN? LET’S GET YOU SIGNED UP!
CSA CALENDAR OVERVIEW
Start dates: May 7th & 8th
End dates: July 30th & 31th
There are currently no holidays or interruptions to the schedule.