What is a CSA?

CSA is an acronym for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA is a partnership between members (subscribers) and the local farmer. Members purchase a subscription and in return get a weekly box of fresh, naturally raised seasonal produce.

Why a CSA?

A CSA is best suited to those who are unable, for whatever reason, to grow their own fresh produce sufficient to supply their needs. A CSA is a great way to have fresh produce all season long while supporting local agriculture. A CSA allows farmers and members to share the risk and reward of the harvest.

Key aspects of a CSA

· Direct support: consumers pay up front, providing farmers with essential capital for seeds and labor before the season starts.

· Fresh and seasonal: produce is harvested at peak ripeness, offering high quality, local food.

· Risk sharing: the consumer shares the risks of gardening – if there is a crop failure, they could receive less; if the crop thrives, they get an abundance.

· Variety: produce boxes may contain produce that is unfamiliar, encouraging new culinary experiences.

Our CSA will run approximately 20 weeks from early May through September. We fully expect to be able to continue operating well into October, so we should have produce beyond the season available for purchase. Additionally, produce from an abundance will be available for purchase from our market truck during the regular season. CSA members will receive a 10% discount on additional produce purchased from the market truck. Further, we hope to be able to provide items such as jams and jellies, home canned goods, fresh artisan bread and baked goods like cookies, sourdough crackers, muffins, etc.

For our customers’ convenience, we are offering two options for our CSA: family share and individual share. A family share will include adequate produce to feed 2-3 adults or a family of 4, depending on cooking habits. A half share is best for single adults or couples looking to supplement their regular grocery shopping with fresh, local produce.

Shares will be available for pickup at a designated location in Cleveland and/or Athens areas. Home delivery is currently not available. We will send details regarding pickup sites and times with your agreement.

Cost

Family shares are available for $825 ($800 cash discount) when paid in full at the beginning of the season. If paying in installments, the cost is $180/mo ($165/mo cash discount).

Individual shares are available for $525 ($500 cash discount when paid in full at the beginning of the season. If paying in installments, the cost is $120/mo ($100 cash discount).

We are unable to offer refunds as we invest your CSA subscription fees at the beginning of the season into seed, compost, and other materials necessary to provide you with the highest quality food possible during the coming season. Monthly installments are made available for those who may not be able to pay in full at the beginning of the season. However, monthly installments are still a subscription and are only eligible for cancellation with a cancellation fee. Full details about payment and cancellations are included in the CSA agreement.

We encourage full payment as it allows us to have working capital for the farm’s operations at the beginning of the season. This allows us to be able to better serve our subscribers by obtaining the seeds and materials needed to bring you the best food possible.

What is in our CSA box?

Our early season boxes are expected to contain some of the following: lettuces, spring onions, sugar or snow peas, arugula, radishes, turnips, kale, Swiss chard, greens, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and more.

Our summer season boxes are expected to contain some of the following: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (both hot and sweet), yellow squash, zucchini, potatoes, onions, green beans, field peas, okra, sweet corn, watermelons, and cantaloupes, along with herbs (dill, cilantro, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, etc.).

Our fall season boxes are expected to contain many of the summer season vegetables at a smaller quantity as the season winds down, but also add produce such as butternut squash, spaghetti squash, along with some cooler weather crops like broccoli, radishes, lettuces, arugula, cabbages and more.

While we fully intend to grow all our produce on our farm, we reserve the right to obtain produce from other local farms that adhere to our principles of growing, i.e. no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This is not expected to be common practice but would allow us to fulfil orders to the fullest extent possible should unforeseen circumstances occur.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us via email at info@atadvalleyfarms.com.