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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
For the 2010 growing season, River Valley Farm will once again offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares. CSA is a direct connection between a farmer/grower/me and a consumer/you! All members share equally in the harvest and the risk of growing. Click here for our membership form.
Location:
River Valley Farm is located at 345 New Lenox Road, Lenox, MA 01240, exactly 2 miles east of Route 7/20.
Our farm enjoys the beautiful scenery of the Housatonic River Valley but our growing fields are safely above the river's flood plain.
How it works:
You may purchase a share of the upcoming season’s harvest in advance. You will come to the farm and pick up your share once a week during the harvest time.
Types of shares:
Regular Share: Beginning in June and ending in October/November depending on the weather, you will receive a generous share of produce for approximately two adults or a small family. Pick-your-own snow and snap peas, cherry tomatoes, string beans, herbs and a weekly bouquet of flowers is included. Cost: $525.00
Summer Share: Beginning in June through Labor Day. For those who are in the Berkshires for the summer season we offer a generous share of produce for approximately two adults or a small family. Pick-your-own snow and snap peas, cherry tomatoes, string beans, herbs and a weekly bouquet of flowers is included. Cost: $400.00
Pickups?
You may come to the farm to pick up your share on either Tuesdays from 3pm to 7pm or Fridays from 3pm to 7pm. Members may only pick up their share on their chosen day (i.e. may not alternate pick-up days or use the other timeslot as a back-up time).
What is included:
We'll grow over 50 varieties of vegetables and fruits from arugula to zucchini, plus herbs and flowers. You'll get to try something new as well as your old favorites.
Any work requirement?
We ask that all able members give us 4 hours over the course of the growing season. There is always something to do - planting, weeding, harvesting and preparing for distribution. Just give a call and let us know when you can come and help. In addition to the four hours we will schedule two "Community Days" where everyone can come help plant onions and potatoes in early Spring and garlic in the Fall and at the end of each of those days we will all share a potluck dinner.
Payment Options:
Payment in full is requested at time of registration. This provides River Valley Farm with operating capital at the beginning of the growing season when it is most needed. You may pay by check or by credit card. If you want to pay by credit card, the full share price will be charged along with a one-time processing fee of $15. For checks only: If you cannot pay in full upon registration, you may make a deposit of $200, with the balance due no later than May 1st. Please note, it is your responsibility to pay in full, we will not bill you. You will not receive a distribution until your share is paid for in full. There are no refunds.
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Why go CSA?There are a number of benefits *You receive fresh delicious produce at a fair price *You know where your food is coming from. * You know who is growing your food and how it is produced. * You reap the benefits of buying locally. * You are supporting your local community financially. * You are investing yourself in your community.
Why Locally Grown?
*Buy locally grown for your HEALTH
Locally grown, seasonal food is fresh and wholesome, with superior taste and nutrition. Eating fresh foods in season is vital to a healthy diet, promotes health and supports an active lifestyle.
*Buy locally grown for our ENVIRONMENT
Local farms enhance and beautify our landscapes. Farms protect watersheds and provide biodiversity. Locally grown food requires less packaging and transportation, which means less waste and pollution.
*Buy locally grown for our ECONOMY
Every dollar spent on local produce supports an independent family farmer who provides jobs, attracts tourists, and re-circulates dollars throughout the local economy, contributing to the area's economic health. For every tax dollar collected from a farmer, he or she will utilize only 34 cents in services, while residents in new developments will use $1.15 in services.
* Buy locally grown for our HERITAGE
Local farms are links to the land and our ancestors. Farms are natural classrooms and provide education, recreation, entertainment and healthy outdoor experiences. Farms are a legacy. Supporting local farms today keeps the door open to the farms and farmers of tomorrow.
Source: Growing for Market Journal
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