What in The Heck is A C.S.A. ?

So as I have been talking to people about C.S.A's, it has amazed me how many people that don't know what they are. In this article I am going to explain what a C.S.A. is; how it benefits you; and how it benefits local farmers.

 C.S.A. stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a type of business model where the community "you" commit to supporting sustainable agriculture locally by purchasing a share in our farm. In return you get a percentage of the veggies that the farm produces each week. Bass Farms C.S.A. runs a hybrid of this system. As we grow we have had a produce store @ the farm to supplement our income as the C.S.A. grows to a size where it can sustain the entire farm. This pretty little number is 150 Shares. Last year we had roughly 86 so we are getting their. Starting a C.S.A. is like running a marathon; except you don't slow down after the finish line. Our long term vision @ Bass Farms is to have a farm totally sustained by a C.S.A only. This is why we have been "running" the past four years.

A C.S.A. is an excellent purchase for a family. We are now more aware then ever that we need to be more conscious about our health. C.S.A.'s range in price from $350-$900. They are between 15 and 22 weeks long. Some of the farms are organic some are not. Must know the farmer you are purchasing it from. It benefits you because you are eating fresher, healthier produce. You are supporting local farmers and fair wages. Our C.S.A is pesticide and herbicide free. We fertilize with kelp and other amendments.
The boxes weigh between 12-14lbs per week. We run our C.S.A. typically 16-18 weeks depending on the weather. Joining our C.S.A. also has many fringe benefits. You get 30% off anything in our store, 10% of anything in Green Endeavors. Three pumpkins per members family. 15 pounds of additional produce taken @ your leisure as well as extra dozen ear's of sweetcorn. Hay-Rack Rides are free, and we have many activities for your children on the farm. We also post recipes on our blog that correspond with the produce that our members receive each week. All current members will receive membership cards and on this card you will receive punches on it, if you decide to take extra's ever.

C.S.A. benefits the farmers in many ways. With 150 members we are able to maintain a staff of 2 year round and 4 part time employee's. It gives me the opportunity to sell my produce before I grow it because we are so busy in the summer maintaining the gardens we really don't have a lot of time to sell.
It gives the public an opportunity for great locally grown produce at a fair price and gives the farmer some sense of sustainability. It is more important now than ever to support your local economy, and put your dollar in what you believe in. Chemical free locally grown produce!

Thz Chris