Community Supported Agriculture

DEFINING CSA
In the simplest terms, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a partnership between a farm and the community - a direct link between the farm and the table. When farms establish CSA programs, members of the community have the opportunity to purchase a share of the farm’s harvest prior to the start of the growing season. They support the farm and provide the revenue the farmer needs to begin the season. 

Farmers typically go into debt to purchase the seeds and supplies to plant their crops and do not receive any return until crops are harvested.  Income is dependent on a host of conditions, which could affect the farm’s livelihood.  However, with the financial security provided by CSA members, farmers can concentrate on doing what they do best – growing crops.     

At the same time, when CSA members agree to support the farm financially, they also agree to share the risks of farming as well as the rewards.  Members become directly involved with the production of the food they consume by using their dollars to vote for a more sustainable food system.   

Additional details about the history of the CSA movement can be found at the Robyn Van En Center.

WHO WE ARE
Beech Springs Farm is a small family farm located near Gettysburg, PA.  The farm specializes in heirloom varieties of Certified Naturally Grown vegetables, herbs and flowers.  For a number of years, the farm’s produce was only available at local farmers markets; however, in 2011 we initiated a CSA program.

Our 22-week program takes advantage of early spring crops like asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, peas, onions and salad greens, as well as many others.  During the season, members receive a variety of fresh produce, picked at the height of freshness.   

ADVANTAGES
Time and convenience, your share will be ready when you arrive for a quick and easy pick up.  

• You will receive an assortment of fresh seasonal vegetables as well as some small fruits as they become available every week.
• You will know exactly where your food came from and how it was produced.  
• You will also have the opportunity to visit the farm and get to know the farmer.
• You will have access to the farm's herb and cutting gardens.
• You will receive a copy of the recipe book “From Asparagus to Zucchini,” when you become a new member.  The book is a guide to using farm-fresh seasonal produce.  It’s chock full of recipes and cooking tips, as well as historical, nutritional and storage information, which will be a helpful reference

HOW IT WORKS FOR 2017
Share sizes
Half share, for 1-2 adults and very small children $450
Full share, for a family of 4 or more $600

Our shares provide members with greater flexibility. The cost covers 20 weeks of produce to be picked up within a 22-week period. This allows for a two-week margin in the event of vacation, family emergencies, etc.   The total cost of the share will be placed into an account and for every week produce is received, the weekly cost will be subtracted from the total amount paid. If no weeks are missed and members wish to continue receiving produce for the final two CSA weeks in October, they may pay weekly for the remainder of the season, according to their share size.  If it is necessary to skip a week, members are required to notify Beech Springs Farm by Monday of the week being skipped so that produce is harvested accordingly.  

Location
At the farm on Wednesday from 3 to 6 pm
First pickup – May 17, 2017
Last pickup - October 4, 2017
Two week extension - October 18, 2017


This year members will have the opportunity to purchase products from other Adams County farms.   Free range chicken, apples, kiwi berries, honey and shiitake mushrooms are available as separate shares, (described below).  Goat cheese, eggs, pork and some other items from local farms will be available on a pay as you go basis.   Members are invited to harvest herbs from the herb garden or pick a bouquet when they visit the farm.  They are also invited to pick their own red raspberries when they are in season.

CHICKEN SHARE – One (1) 3.5 lb. Cornish cross broiler from Rettland Farm, Gettysburg, PA per week for 20 weeks. Birds are raised on open pasture from about three weeks of age and their diets are antibiotic and GMO free. Chickens are heavier breasted with lighter thighs and drumsticks. They will be delivered whole and will not be frozen.
Price still to be determined                                   

FRUIT SHARE – Certified Organic apples from Oyler's Organic Farm, Biglerville, PA delivered weekly for 5 weeks beginning September 7 thru October 5.   Full share size is 5 lbs. apples/week for 5 weeks; half share size is 2.5 lbs. apples/week for 5 weeks. Peaches will be available on an occasional cash basis (not included as part of the fruit share).                      
Price still to be determined
                   
MUSHROOM SHARE – Shitake mushrooms grown by our neighbor Peter.  Share consists of one (1) quart mushrooms per week for 15 weeks; however, since mushroom growth is somewhat dependent on the weather, availability will primarily be in the cooler months of Spring/Fall.    
Price still to be determined                                                   

HONEY SHARE - Honey harvested from our farm's honey bees.   Share consists of one (1) pint of honey per month for five months (the first Wednesday of each month, June thru October)
$45/share                                          

FREE RANGE EGGS AND GOAT CHEESE - Available weekly cash/carry from Itsy Bitsy Acres, Orrtanna, PA.

DETAILS FOR OUR 2017 CSA SEASON ARE STILL BEING FINALIZED.  THE MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL AFTER JANUARY 1, 2017