CSAs exist as a way for farms and growers to connect with their local market; individuals and families may purchase a share in the farm upfront to provide capital when seed money is low. In return, the grower provides a variety of products to members throughout the growing season.
Growers
are not only supported financially through the CSA method but also create a way
for locals to take part in and encourage the production of food grown close to
home.
Oftentimes CSA members contribute more than just start-up funding. Many growers
welcome and encourage work days wherein CSA members take part in the actual
maintenance of the crop, from weeding to harvesting.
HARTSHORN’s SANTA DAVIDA FARM
Hartshorn’s Santa Davida Farm on Route 100 in Waitsfield provides fresh produce and berries and also uses a debit card system called the "Green Card." The cost of the CSA membership is put onto the debit card in the beginning of the season so members can purchase fresh produce from both the Santa Davida farm stand as well as their farmers' market booth.
Last year, Santa Davida Farm and organic flower grower Amy Todisco introduced simple cut flower bouquets using zinnias, snapdragons and sweet peas. This season they are expanding the flower choices to include a larger variety of fragrant flowers. Ten bouquets, one per week, can be picked up at the farm stand on Route 100 in Waitsfield or at the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market each Saturday at the Santa Davida Farm booth, beginning in July. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
In
addition to flower bouquets, Hartshorn is also providing a number of local
weddings, inns and restaurants with flowers as well as a “pick your own”
option. And Todisco will be creating dried flower bouquets, potpourris and
other herbal and floral gift items for sale in the fall. For more information
about Santa Davida and joining their CSA, call 496-3081 or email
GAYLORD FARM
The
Gaylord Farm on Route 100 in Waitsfield offers both a vegetable and meat CSA
throughout the summer season. Members can sign up for a single or double share;
a double share is designed to provide enough food for a family of four for one
week. The meat share includes beef, pork and chicken without hormones,
antibiotics or steroids. Gaylord Farm has a debit card program that can be
redeemed at the farm stand or farmers' market. Pick-up takes place each
Wednesday between 4 and 6 p.m., beginning in June. For more information, call
496-5054 or visit www.gaylordfarm.com.
SAUCY.
Saucy., created by Jordan von Trapp, offers organic soup and sauce grown and created in Moretown. Members can sign up for seasonal, month-to-month or annual saucy shares that can be picked up in two Valley locations or delivered. Individuals can sign up for one- or two-quart-per-week CSA shares; pick-up takes place on Thursdays at the East Warren Community Market or the Village Grocery. Saucy. will also be at both the Waitsfield and Waterbury Farmers' Markets this summer. For more information about saucy. or sign up for a summer soup and sauce share, call 496-6009 or visit www.saucyvermont.com.
MOUNTAIN FLOWER FARM
Mountain Flower Farm, located in Warren, offers a weekly flower bouquet CSA program. Members may pay upfront and receive a fresh bouquet of flowers each week throughout the growing season (20 weeks). Pick-up happens each week at the Waitsfield Farmers' Market; members can sign up any time before May 15. For more information or to join the weekly bouquet program, call 496-8980 or visit www.mountainflowerfarm.com.
Tangletown Farm in Middlesex sells CSA shares of their local, organic, pasture-based chicken, duck, pheasant, guinea hen, goose, turkey, pork, beef and lamb. Ordering early helps with planning and early season costs. Custom packages are available. Tangletown Farm has summer pick-up sites at the Red Hen Bakery in Middlesex and at the Ben & Jerry's offices in Williston, and a year-round pick-up at the Montpelier Farmers' Market. For more information or to sign up, visit www.tangletownfarm.com.
The Vermont Yak Company in Waitsfield offers 10 pounds of yak meat per year with their seasonal CSA. The pasture-fed yak can be picked up at the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market each Saturday beginning in May. For more information or to sign up for a yak CSA, visit www.vermontyak.com.
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