Earlier this spring one of my colleagues sent an e-mail around asking if anyone wanted “in” to a CSA program in which he was enrolled. He explained how “his” farm in Franklin operates: He buys a share early in the season, then goes to the farm to pick up his produce each week. He is required to help on the farm a couple of days during the summer.
I had heard of Community-Supported Agriculture before but didn't really know what it was. This site has pretty good information in easy-to-understand language. It got me thinking about local farms; while Franklin is pretty local, I wondered if any farms in Montville offer a CSA program.
Sure enough, Valchris Farm, right here in Oakdale, participates. It's their first year doing this, and I am excited to say my family bought a full share. They are a certified organic farm (a grueling process to be certified organic), important to my family and me, and Nancy and Don Hess couldn't be nicer or more communicative.
Find out what's happening in Montvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Since enrolling in their CSA program I have received regular e-mail updates about the progress of their crops, and even had a personal tour of the farm. Our family has already had some wonderful fresh asparagus, and I can't wait for the blueberries this summer!
Their program works a little differently than what I describe above; one difference is I don't have to work on the farm, a good thing for me since I struggle to keep up with all the weeding at my own house... If you're interested in the particulars, a copy of their FAQs and CSA contract are uploaded on the right. I love the idea of supporting our local farmers – they benefit and so do we.
