ABOUT OUR CSA FARM SHARE PROGRAM
Our farm share program is currently open and will be until we fill up, which is usually by the end of Februrary. 2012 marks the fourth season we will be offering a CSA program. We have found the direct link to our Farm Share Members one of the most fulfilling aspects of growing organic produce for a local market. Basic information about why CSA is vital to a healthy local food system, as well as information about our farm share program are below. More detailed information and an application are in the Farm Share Application PDF.
Our Farm Share program is based on the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model. CSA is a mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and community members that keeps working agricultural land in production. CSA has become increasingly popular over the last 20 years, with hundreds of small farms around the country and the world adopting this model. Community members support the farm by purchasing a Farm Share before the growing season. In return, the farmer takes good care of the land while growing flavorful, healthy food. The bounty of the farm is then returned to the Farm Share members, who receive a variety of fresh produce every week throughout the growing season at a competitive price.
In addition to our Farm Shares, we are also excited to offer Partner Program Shares with Ela Family Farms for Western Slope Organic Fruit, Conscious Coffees for Fair-Trade Organic Fresh-Roasted Coffee and Grass-Fed Beef raised by our neighbor and longtime rancher, Jim Roberts. Information about all three is also in the attached PDF.
To read customer testimonials about our Farm Share program, please go to localharvest.org.
What’s included in an Isabelle Farm Share? In 2012, our CSA Farm Share Program will run 20 weeks, from June 12 through October 25. Farm Share members receive a bountiful selection of just-picked, in-season produce, grown organically. The weekly variety and quantity increase as the growing season progresses. Farm Share members will receive lots of favorites (such as head lettuce, mixed greens, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and carrots), as well as smaller amounts of items with shorter growing seasons (such as cantalope, watermelon, sweet corn and roasted chiles).
For many members, the connection to the farm is as valuable as the produce that they receive. When members pick up their Share at the farm, they have the opportunity to connect with the source of their food and to learn more about sustainable agriculture. Members enjoy receiving Field Notes, our weekly Farm Share newsletter, which contains weekly reports from the field, recipes, agriculture and produce trivia, farmhand bios and more. (Read a sample newsletter.)
How much food is in a Farm Share? A Large Weekly Farm Share is designed to provide a vegetable-loving family of 4 with enough produce to last the week.A Medium Weekly Share provides 2-3 people with enough produce to last a week. Share members can expect to receive 4-8 varieties of produce per week (a total of 4-20 pounds per week depending on share size and the time of the season).
How much does a share cost?
u The cost of a 2012 Large Weekly Share is $640 ($32/week), and supplies you with fresh produce every week for 20 weeks.
v The cost of a 2012 Medium Weekly Share is $440 ($22/week), and supplies you with fresh produce every week for 20 weeks.
v If you elect to pick up your share at our downtown Boulder pickup location, there is a one-time $50 charge to cover transport costs. Our 2012 season will run from June 12 through October 25, and we will have three pickup options: Wednesday or Thursday at our farm stand at Thomas Open Space (1640 West Baseline Road in Lafayette, just west of Hwy. 287) b/w 4 and 7 p.m., or Wednesday evenings in downtown Boulder b/w 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. If you have additional questions please email Tiffany Cooper, our CSA Manager, at tiffany@isabellefarm.com. We hope to hear from you soon!