CSA Program—

Know your farmer, know your food!

The Farmers’ Eight Daughters Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is your opportunity to receive farm-fresh, delicious, organic vegetables at a great value, and without having to “go shopping” for them. When you become a CSA member (by buying a ’share’ in our farm for the season) we become your direct source for food, and you become the reason we grow it.

 

How does it work?

 When you purchase a CSA share, you help support our farm, usually by paying up front for your veggies in the spring.  That helps us pay for seed and cover the expenses of starting up the gardens for the season. In return, you get a weekly selection of all that is available on the farm. This means you are eating the freshest, most delicious seasonal, organic veggies possible.

 

Members receive an online weekly letter full of info. of what’s in the basket, as well as news from the farm, and recipes using the ingredients.   We even welcome members to come to the farm for visits, or volunteer in the gardens if they would like.

 

Members, for an additional cost, can receive a weekly share of fresh baked breads, baked goods or farm fresh eggs. We will also offer a Thanksgiving share for late November, complete with all the traditional vegetables, a farm raised turkey, and even homemade stuffing mix.  Ask for details about these opportunities.

 

How long does it last?

22 weeks (June through October). 

 

How will I get my share?

Currently, our only method is for you to pick up at our farm stand in New Gloucester on Monday afternoon/evenings.  Your basket will be available from the hours of 4-7 pm. 

 

How much does it cost?

The 22 week CSA, which runs from June-October, can be ordered two different ways.  A full share is intended to provide a weeks worth of veggies for a family of 4-6, while a half share is typically more than enough for a family of 2. 

In 2010, a full share runs $550, while the half share is $350.  This averages to about $25 a week for full share / $16 half share, yet you receive well over that in value. 

 

How do I pay? 

In 2010 we have two payment options: 

1)  Pay in full by May 1st, and receive a 5% discount.

2)  Installment plan.  If you would like to pay in installments, please let us know and we can set up an arrangement with you.

 

How and when can I sign up for the coming season?

Sign-up has begun for the 2010 season.  As this is only our second year running a CSA program, we will be setting a limit to how many customers we take, so first come, first served.  We hope to grow in size each year, so if you miss your chance this year, try again next!

 

What kinds of vegetables can I expect?

When you are a CSA member, you share in both the risks and the bounty of the farm. For example, if you love tomatoes, and it is a great year for them, you might receive them for a number of weeks in a row.  If it is a tough year for them, though, (due to weather, pests, etc.) you might only get to enjoy them once that season.

We work very hard at growing a wide variety of veggies.  Some of the things we  grow for our CSA members are Mesclun Mix, Spinach, Bok Choy, Arugula, Lettuce Heads, Radishes, Beet Greens, Kale, Swiss Chard, Broccoli, Cabbage, Sugar Snap Peas, Carrots, Peppers, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Potatoes, Tomatoes Cucumber, Squash, Kohlrabi, Sweet Corn, Fennel, Garlic, Herbs, Scallions,  Onions, Shallots, and more! 

We make all baskets the same, with what is available that week, and can not cater the baskets to personal likes/dislikes. 

 

Call or email with questions!  If  slots are available, we will send you an official form to fill out.   

Why eat local?  Because when you eat locally grown food you …

 

•Eat fresh, nutritious vegetables.  The average “fresh” vegetables at the grocery stores have traveled over 1500 miles to get there, losing taste and nutrients all along the way.

•On a small organic farm, the focus is on promoting great soil health to produce delicious veggies, not on mass quantities, so the product tastes better.

•Keep your money in the local economy:  money spent at your local farm stays right here in the community.

•Eat more interesting food!  Since your veggies from us don’t have to travel to get to you, we can choose varieties based on flavor (such as heirlooms), rather than the ability to be packaged and shipped.

•Eat safe food.  Local vegetables have been planted, harvested, washed and delivered by farmers you

can meet, in conditions you can see for yourself if you choose.   

 

 

Knowing who grows your food is an awesome thing — it allows you to ask  questions,

and to make your own choices about how the food you purchase is grown.