Community Shared Agriculture (C.S.A.) sold out!
A typical weekly C.S.A. share
We are sold out but our sister farm, Yummy Yards still has a few shares available. We're growing and running the CSA together so you'll get the same box, same delivery & pickup options... only Emi, will be your personal farmer :)
C.S.A. Is gaining popularity with consumers who want to purchase fresh, seasonal food from local farmers. Customers buy a “share” of the farms harvest at the beginning of the season which provides the farmer with the capital they need for purchasing seeds, equipment soil amendments, etc. In return, customers receive a weekly box which typically contains produce but may also contain other farm products such as honey, meat, eggs, flowers etc.
Note: Half shares available now through NOWBC. Please visit their web site to find a delivery depot in your neighbourhood!
Our C.S.A. program is about more than fresh produce though. Agriculture is by nature a social event. It even has the word 'culture' in it! You have a mechanic to take care of your car, a dentist to take care of your teeth, don't you think you should have at least as personal a relationship with the people who grow the food you feed your family? We want to be your farmers and for you to feel comfortable dropping by your farm any time you like so you can see, and maybe even participate in your food being grown. We'll have regular events for our C.S.A. members so we can put a little humanity back into the food system and maybe even a little fun. Movie nights, tastings, work parties, info sessions, and a lending library are just a few of the things we have in store for you this season. It'll be just like the good 'ol days when people knew their neighbours. How bout that?
Our standard C.S.A. share will typically include a range of fresh locally grown, seasonal produce plus a few surprises (think goat cheese, honey, jam.... mmmmmmm) along the way. Additional products such as Okanagan fruit, our own pasture raised chicken, rabbit and eggs and baked goods will also be available as 'add-ons.' You'll receive a weekly newsletter with recipes, upcoming events and other information to help you get the most out of your share. Your share will vary seasonally but here's what we're growing to give you an idea of what to expect.
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Early Season
Snap Peas English Peas Spinach Swiss Chard Kale Turnips Radishes Early Potatoes Baby Beets Early Cabbage Green Onions Kholrabi Early Carrots Rhubarb Lettuce Herbs |
Mid-Season
Early Girl Tomatoes Juliette Tomatoes Cherry Tomatoes Garlic Beans Eggplant Broccoli Cauliflower Green Cabbage Red Cabbage Red Beets Golden Beets Summer Squash Cucumbers Leeks Potatoes Apples Lettuce Herbs |
Late Season
Winter Squash Brussels Sprouts Carrots Red Beets Golden Beets Kale Swiss Chard Rutabaga Leeks Onions Parsnips Tomatoes Hot Peppers Bell Peppers Potatoes Apples Grapes Peas Spinach Radishes Kholrabi Lettuce Herbs |
C.S.A. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost?
The cost of one share for the 2012 season is $720 (includes delivery). This can be spread out over up to 3 payments between now and June 1st.
What is the duration of the program?
Our CSA program runs for 18 weeks from June through October. The exact dates will be determined by mother nature but we expect to deliver the first harvest box by mid-June.
How big is a share?
A weekly share is generally enough for 2-3 veggie loving adults or a typical family of 4. If you think that a full share might be too much for you, please contact us and we'll try to team you up with another member you can split a share with. Remember though, you can always freeze, can or dehydrate any extras so you can enjoy local produce all year round. (We'll be running a food preservation workshop this summer so keep an eye on the newsletter!)
The cost of one share for the 2012 season is $720 (includes delivery). This can be spread out over up to 3 payments between now and June 1st.
What is the duration of the program?
Our CSA program runs for 18 weeks from June through October. The exact dates will be determined by mother nature but we expect to deliver the first harvest box by mid-June.
How big is a share?
A weekly share is generally enough for 2-3 veggie loving adults or a typical family of 4. If you think that a full share might be too much for you, please contact us and we'll try to team you up with another member you can split a share with. Remember though, you can always freeze, can or dehydrate any extras so you can enjoy local produce all year round. (We'll be running a food preservation workshop this summer so keep an eye on the newsletter!)
How will I get my harvest box?
Your harvest box can be delivered to your door every Wednesday for the duration of the CSA season. Please contact us if you live outside of our delivery area. We may be able to put you in touch with a more local farm, or, if we have enough interest from people in your neighbourhood, may be able to arrange delivery.
Alternatively, you can pick up your CSA share at one of our Vancouver west side locations or at the farm in south Burnaby . If you choose this option, you will receive a $90 discount on your invoice.
Do I need to be home when my harvest box is delivered?
No. When you sign up, you will be asked to choose a suitable location for delivery. Your share will arrive in a secure bin (with an ice pack, if needed). Simply leave last week's empty box, ice pack, and any reusable containers out and we'll swap it for your fresh box.
What happens if I go on vacation?
We can deliver your box to a neighbour, family member or friend, provided that they live in our delivery area. Alternatively, you may suspend delivery and receive a $20 credit that may be used towards your next year's share. We require 48 hours notice prior to that week's delivery.
Your harvest box can be delivered to your door every Wednesday for the duration of the CSA season. Please contact us if you live outside of our delivery area. We may be able to put you in touch with a more local farm, or, if we have enough interest from people in your neighbourhood, may be able to arrange delivery.
Alternatively, you can pick up your CSA share at one of our Vancouver west side locations or at the farm in south Burnaby . If you choose this option, you will receive a $90 discount on your invoice.
Do I need to be home when my harvest box is delivered?
No. When you sign up, you will be asked to choose a suitable location for delivery. Your share will arrive in a secure bin (with an ice pack, if needed). Simply leave last week's empty box, ice pack, and any reusable containers out and we'll swap it for your fresh box.
What happens if I go on vacation?
We can deliver your box to a neighbour, family member or friend, provided that they live in our delivery area. Alternatively, you may suspend delivery and receive a $20 credit that may be used towards your next year's share. We require 48 hours notice prior to that week's delivery.
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What are the Risks of CSA?
As a member of the C.S.A. you support the Farm by sharing in the inherent risks of agriculture (poor weather, drought, disease, early frost, crop failure and so on), and in the rewards (the bounty from a good season) involved in farming. Every year the weather is different and some crops always perform better than others. The farm purposely plans for such contingencies, using growing techniques that protect the harvest, minimizes risk to members, and optimizes the rewards; growing a wide variety of crops that thrive in different types of conditions; rotating crops and irrigating. |
C.S.A. Benefits
Some of the benefits C.S.A. members have reported include:
- Establishing better eating habits through a regular supply of
fresh, healthy food - The opportunity to try new foods that you might not otherwise
have purchased - Learning new skills and spending quality time with family while
preparing unprocessed, fresh food together - Living a more sustainable lifestyle
- Enjoying more nutrient rich food that keeps longer since it was
picked fresh and did not spend time in transit and storage before reaching your
home - A greater connection to where food comes from through
participation in on-farm activities and member events like movie nights and
meals - Saving money by preparing more wholesome meals at
home
