What is a CSA?
CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Community supported agriculture is a way eaters can create a relationship with growers, connecting them directly to their food source through weekly "shares" of food grown on a farm. In return for financial support at the beginning of the growing season, members receive a weekly fresh picked share of the the harvest. The CSA model started in Japan and Europe in the early 60's and was brought to America in the 80's. There are now an estimated 3,000 CSA's operating in the U.S.!
Why join a CSA?
For many many reasons, a few of them being-
-Eating organic local food is great for your health. Organically grown food is more flavorful, contains more nutrients, and lacks harmful pesticides used in conventional farming.
-Local food is tasty! We grow our varieties for their flavor, not their resistance to damage through travel. Try conducting a taste test between a local, fresh, organically grown tomato and a store bought conventional variety. You will be amazed at the difference. Through the CSA model, you also get to try a much more diverse array of foods versus those select and possibly genetically modified varieties offered in the produce section. Eating local, organic food is a revolution for your belly.
-By using permaculture techniques, food from our garden has been grown it a way that actually betters its environment. We use less water, make compost with our goat chicken and cow manure, companion plant, rotate our crops, and farm using hand tools. These techniques add nutrients back the earth and build topsoil. In addition to the way we grow our food, our distribution system has a lower carbon footprint. Your piece of conventional produce is said to have traveled somewhere between 1,500 to 2,000 miles to reach your plate. Locally grown food does not contribute to the massive fuel consumption needed to complete this journey.
-Community supported agriculture builds community! We schedule visitor and volunteer days to allow people to connect with the farm that feeds them and learn about organic gardening. Members are encouraged to contribute to our newsletter with pictures and recipes. Money spent on your CSA membership stays in the local economy.
CSA's may be a better idea for a different time in your life if:
-You don't cook very much.
-You don't like vegetables
-You're looking for a bargain
-You don't like trying new foods
We would be a little sad if our lovingly grown food turned into compost without having had an adventure in your stomach first.
What do you grow?
Check out the membership page to find out what's growing right now. Basically we grow everything that we can on our particular piece of land, with an emphasis on what most people actually like and eat. Sometimes include unusual stuff like purslane or devils claw in the bag to expand perceptions of what is considered edible.
How long does a membership last?
Our seasons last anywhere from about 10-14 weeks long. Check the membership page to find details on the current season.
What if I am unable to pick up my share?
It is up to you to make sure someone can pick up your share for you if you are unable. Shares not picked up will not be refunded, but donated charitably.
What if I don’t like something included one week in my share?
One of the greatest things about becoming a CSA member is becoming familiar with the wide variety of vegetables received. Not everyone likes the same stuff though, so if there is something in your bag you don’t dig, just leave it at the drop off spot in our sharing box for another member to take. Chances are someone else will appreciate it.
Are you certified organic?
All natural! Our growing methods are beyond certified organic. We use all natural fertilization methods including homemade compost. We plant intensively, using less space to grow more thus reducing our water needs. We garden with hand tools, not tractors. This means we use almost no fuel (other than what it takes to drive our shares to the drop off point) and cultivate verses compacting the soil. We are looking into becoming certified organic in the future if necessary. Our operation is completely transparent, any one is welcome to come out and take a look at we are doing. We have regularly scheduled volunteer times and host organic gardening workshops throughout the year. Email us to join our newsletter to get information as to when these take place.
Where are you located?
Martindale, Texas. About 10 miles South East of San Marcos downstream of the San Marcos River. Martindale is a beautiful old town with a small historic downtown. We believe in Martindale!
From San Marcos:
Go toward Martindale on highway 80
Go through the light in Martindale next to the gas station
take a right on 1979
road curves left
Take a left on SE River Rd (before you hit the bridge)
Go about 1 mile
House is on the left past the big white farm house
Can I visit/volunteer?
Yes! We have regular volunteer hours every Sunday morning from 8am to 1pm. Any changes to this are announced in our weekly newsletter. Please contact us if you would like to carpool from San Marcos, we might be able to connect you with someone else who is interested.
How can I buy from you?
Right now we only sell through our CSA. We are full for the Spring 2009 season, but you can add your name to our waiting list for the Summer season. We sometimes offer workshare opportunities, times when non-members can come and work for a bag of veggies. Join our mailing list to find out about these.
How does your waiting list work?
Just send us an email explaining your interest in being on our waiting list and we will add you. Adding your name to our waiting list does not obligate you to join. Our current members get first priority in renewing membership for the following season, then those on the waiting list, and then beyond that we open membership to anyone interested. We're a small farm and are expanding slowly, so we hope to have more CSA's operating in the area so everyone can have the positive life enriching experience of belonging to a CSA and eating local.
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