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The first real snow is finally on the ground here in central Ohio. It might be hard to think about summer produce but that’s just what small farmers are doing.
Several farmers offering Community Support Agriculture (CSA) shares already have their 2010 signups available. At least one is offering discounts for those who register and pay before December 31. Others have deadlines in early 2010.
What is so wonderful about giving a CSA membership to yourself or someone special? You are giving:
The freshest farm produce all season long
Freedom from standing in long farmer’s market lines
A diversity of crops that benefits the whole ecosystem
A small farmer work, doing something they love
Contributions directly to the local economy
Healthy additions to meals
Thought and concern for the recipient and the environment
Below is a list of many of the central Ohio CSA signups currently available with notes about deadlines and specialties:
Wayward Seed – very early bird discount before Dec 31, early bird discount ends Feb 28. I just sent in my personal registration for the fruit portion of the Wayward Seed CSA.
Sippel Family Farm currently adding people to their wait list
Greener Grocer only winter signup is available at this writing but 2010 coming soon
Toad Hill Organic Farm 2010 coming soon
New Century offering fruit and beef packages for 2010
Green Edge Gardens only winter signup is available at this writing; 2010 coming soon
Frijolito Farm chicken, eggs and bread available in addition to produce
Elizabeth Telling Farm shares include eggs
Paige’s Produce egg and fruit shares available in addition to vegetable
Please comment with any additions, corrections, or questions about CSAs.
A robust list of local CSAs can be found on the Local Matters, Fresh Connect CSA Directory.
I had a CSA from Paige’s Produce as a christmas gift the last two years, loved it, only problem is I travel a lot and my co-workers ended up with more then half the stuff, but still a great gift idea that lasts half the year.
We got our produce from New Century and it was such a thrill to wait every Saturday to see what ended up in our cooler on the porch. We had plenty for two and even gave neighbors extra cabbage and lettuce that we couldn’t eat. Nothing went to waste. Fresh and local, can’t get any better than that. We added the fruit option and the raspberries were my favorite! We are signing up again for ’10.
This is something I’ve only half thought of doing for myself – I still need to weigh the pros and cons of doing this vs. going out for my own groceries. I have a friend in Chicago who does this, but it makes so much sense to do that when you’re knee deep in the city and it’s not easy to find parking or cart your goodies on public trans.
atomikswingkittn Says: I still need to weigh the pros and cons of doing this vs. going out for my own groceries.
Good luck with your research! You can find more CU topics about CSAs by clicking here.