Farm Trust CSA FAQ
What is a CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a community of individuals that pledge or commit support to a farm so that spiritually the farmland becomes the community’s farm. In this way, the consumer becomes a co-producer of the farm, providing support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Members pledge in advance to support anticipated costs of the farm’s operation and to cover the farmer’s salary. In return, co-producers receive shares of the farmer’s bounty throughout the growing season and gain the satisfaction of connecting to the land, knowing where their food comes from, and eating locally produced, nutrient-dense food. They also share the risks of farming, including poor harvests.
The Broad River Pastures Farm Trust CSA takes most of the risk from the co-producers and offers maximum flexibility. Patterned after the successful CSA at Hope Grows Farm in Sylvania, Georgia, this CSA allows members to customize the form that their share takes. For example, instead of each co-producer receiving identical boxes each week of whatever harvest the farm has to offer, members are guaranteed a 100% return on their investment in the form, amount, and timing that they prefer. One co-producer may want their share taken in eggs each month, while another will prefer dog treats. Another will get eggs one month, produce the next, and fruit the next. Still another may wait until lamb is available and take their share in lamb in a single month. We have vegetarian and omnivore options.
Why belong to a CSA?
Only 2% of Americans are currently farming and contributing the food that everyone depends up for their very existence. It is becoming more and more difficult for small farms to pay the costs of producing food and earn a living wage. By becoming a co-producer of a small farm, you can keep it sustainable and reap the benefits with us. You will receive food that is not picked or gathered weeks before reaching your hands or shipped thousands of miles to reach your table. You will not need to wonder how your food was produced.
Is Broad River Pastures an organic farm?
Broad River Pastures has not applied for any certification at this time. We do not use any herbicides or chemicals on the farm and use only OMRI (for organic production) approved pesticides very sparingly if needed. We use herbal and homeopathic remedies and minerals to keep our livestock healthy. We supplement the land with minerals in an attempt to grow the most nutrient dense food possible and monitor our progress by testing both the soil and the produce. Our poultry eat organically certified, soy-free feed and run free on the pasture.
How can co-producers participate in the work at Broad River Pastures?
Farm Trust CSA members will be invited to four work days on the farm each year. These events will be an opportunity for you to assist in the chores, share a potluck meal, ask questions about production, tour the farm, enjoy the country air, and meet the other co-producers. One of these events will be timed to coincide with our spring lambing season. The sight of new lambs frolicking on fresh green pasture is not one that you will want to miss! We will also keep in touch with you through monthly newsletters and with daily updates at www.facebook.com/broadriverpastures.
What products do you expect to be available this year?
Meat
Limited quantities of rabbit meat fryers and roasters from January - June
Limited quantities of lamb (1/4, 1/2, or whole carcass) from June - November
Limited quantities of pork (1/4, 1/2, or whole carcass) from August-December only if enough co-producers participate.
Dog Treats
Lucky Dog Liver Treats available January-December
Eggs
Pastured duck and chicken eggs available year round, with lower production in winter.
Produce
Limited seasonal production January - December of vegetables such as kale, collards, cabbage, beans, herbs, eggplant, garlic, sweet potatoes, okra, cucumbers, potatoes, onions.
Fruit
Seasonal raspberries, blackberries, figs, pears, grapes, cantaloupe.
Nuts
Pecans December - February
Where can I pick up my share?
Washington-Wilkes Farmer’s Market the first Saturday of each month
Ben’s Bikes in Athens from 3:30-4:30 two Thursdays of each month TBD
Farm pick up by appointment
How do I become a co-producer?
Determine the level that meets the needs of your diet and budget. Think about how much you spend on food each month, and how much you would like to be co-producing with us. Sign up and pay your share by December 31. You can begin reaping your share in January! Shares are limited, so sign up as early as you can. By your advance payment, your farm trust, you invest in a new year of nutrient-dense local food, pasture-based production, and farm apprenticeships. Complete the Farm Trust CSA Application and mail it with your check by December 15, 2011.