Community Supported Agriculture
What is Community Supported Agriculture?
Historically, CSA was established to more directly connect farmers and consumers; get money up front to farmers when they really need it; get consumers the freshest possible produce; and take a little bit of the risk out of farming with a guaranteed market. We have been running a CSA since 1992 on our farm. Upon receipt of your reservation and deposit, we will send a confirmation. Is cash flow a problem? Contact us for alternate payment schedules.
Philosophy
We have always believed in an integrated growing system that includes livestock, vegetable, fruit, and flower crops. Our animals and plants benefit from this relationship and the farm fertility is more independently sustainable. Additionally, we purchase organic amendments and use foliar sprays to provide the highest possible fertility for nutrient dense crops.
What is Organic Food?
Organic food is produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers by methods which respect soil life and emulate natural ecosystems as closely as possible. Fertility is provided by green and brown manures, mulches, foliar sprays, and rock powders. Pests are controlled by rotating crops, building natural plant defenses through high fertility, and constant vigilance. Weeds are minimized by proper soil mineral balance, mulching, cover cropping, and hand or mechanical removal.
Individuals concerned about food quality are increasingly interested in organic food. Those with allergies and chemical sensitivites appreciate the absence of toxic residues. Those concerned with taste and nutritional value find that organic produce retains flavor and quality much longer than that grown with chemical fertilizers. At this time, with no laws regarding the labeling of genetically modified food, organic certification is your best practical assurance that an item is not genetically modified.
How do I know this CSA food is Organic?
Many Hands Organic Farm was certified organic by NOFA/Mass, the Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter, from 1987 to 2000 and by NOFA/Mass Organic Certification from 2001-2003. The NOFA/Mass Certification Program changed its name to Baystate Organic Certifiers in 2004; we are presently certified by them. We are happy to explain our practices and answer your questions about how your food is grown - just send us an email. Go to the NOFA/Mass website at www.nofamass.org to become part of a community of folks who support organic agriculture and true sustainability in our volatile times.
In the produce department, besides our vegetable, fruit, and flower shares (see our shares page), we sell garlic seed, garlic braids, and flowers for weddings and events. We also sell a wide array of fruits and vegetables to Living Earth Natural Foods Store (in Worcester), the Barre Farmers Market, the Annual Garlic and Arts Festival in Orange, MA, the Worcester Main South Farmer's Market, the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and other local businesses.
How do I join?
If you'd like to learn more about the various options for shares, please follow this link. If you are interested in purchasing a share, you can fill out a form and send it in here.