CSA (community supported agriculture) 2012
Here's how CSA works...
In spring the consumer pays the farmer for a share of the upcoming harvest - a box of fresh, in season produce - that they will receive each week throughout the growing season.
When the harvest is plentiful the share will be larger - in the event of a poor crop or even a crop failure, there would be less.
Shares will be larger during the summer - at the height of the harvest - and smaller in spring & fall.
Shares will be larger during the summer - at the height of the harvest - and smaller in spring & fall.
Benefits for the consumer...
- eating high quality, fresh, local produce at a fair price.
- knowing where your food comes from - getting to know the farm and the
farmers & their growing practices.
- an eating adventure - eat seasonal & try different foods than you might not usually
eat.
eat.
Benefits for the farmer...
- a guaranteed market for our produce.
- a reliable income in spring, when it is most needed.
- sharing the risks of growing - consumers share the bounty and also the possibility of
crop failures.
- getting to know the people who eat our food.
How Thiessen Farms CSA will operate...
- full share price - $550
- half share price - $300
- $100 deposit now to reserve your share and your preferred pick up day. The balance is due April 1, 2012.
- after April 1 the price will increase to $600 for a full share and $325 for a half share.
- after April 1 the price will increase to $600 for a full share and $325 for a half share.
- the season will run for 20 weeks beginning in late May or early June - this will be
weather dependant.
- produce can be picked up at our farm in Jordan Station.
- pick up days will be Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:00 - 6:00pm. When you fill out the application please choose which day you would prefer.
- pick up days will be Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:00 - 6:00pm. When you fill out the application please choose which day you would prefer.
NEW for 2012 - delivery is available
- we have had some requests for delivery and are willing to try this season - here is how it could work ...
- cost is $100/share (both full & half shares) for the season.
- we require a minimum of 10 boxes to 1 delivery site.
- CSA members are responsible for organizing this - we will assist where possible.
- the CSA member hosting the delivery site would be responsible for accepting delivery of the boxes each week, and in exchange would receive free delivery of their box for the season.
- please call for more details if you are interested.
1.What kinds of produce will my share contain?
What makes our CSA unique is that we grow both fruit & vegetables.
Here is what we grow and any of these things may appear in your
Here is what we grow and any of these things may appear in your
box ...
- sweet cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, pears.
- raspberries, blackberries.
- beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, edamame, eggplant, fennel, garlic, gourds,
- raspberries, blackberries.
- beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, edamame, eggplant, fennel, garlic, gourds,
greens, herbs, kale, lettuce, onions, snow peas, peppers, pumpkins, shoots, spinach.
squash, swiss chard, tomatoes, and zucchini.
squash, swiss chard, tomatoes, and zucchini.
2. How big is a share?
One share should supply enough fruit &vegetables for a family of 4-5, or a
produce-loving couple. A half share ( usually it turns out to be more than half)
would be suitable for several people.
would be suitable for several people.
3. What about when we go on vacation?
Your share will be ready for you each Friday - fruit & vegetables don't stop ripening for holidays. If you will be away, or cannot pick up your share on any Friday, have a friend or neighbour pick up your box and enjoy it.
4. Is our farm organic?
Our farm is not organic. Fruit orchards are closely monitored for pest and disease
problems and pesticides are applied when necessary. Vegetables are usually grown
pesticide free. Farming practices like growing cover crops, applying compost, and
mulching, continuously improve our soil. Better soil means healthier crops with less
insect & disease pressures.
Please use the comment option of this blog for other questions you may have, or
contact us at 905-562-4372 or email thiessenfarms@talkwireless.ca and ask
for an application.
contact us at 905-562-4372 or email thiessenfarms@talkwireless.ca and ask
for an application.
We are excited about CSA and invite you to join us in this adventure!