Concord’s Verrill Farm to Introduce CSA

After years as a conscientious objector, Verrill Farm is introducing a CSA option that adapts the popular community-supported agriculture model in ways Steve Verrill says should work for both the farm and the customer.

“There seem to be quite a few people who are interested in a CSA,” said Verrill. “If somebody really wants one, they would buy it someplace else and we don’t really see them for the summer.”

That should change this year, as Verrill Farm unveils its “Farmer’s Market CSA.” Where the “Farmer’s Market” aspect comes from is that the Verrill Farm CSA won’t force seasonal vegetables upon customers, but will put all the week’s offerings out in bins and let customers fill their basket with whatever they wish.

Verrill said this model attempts to eliminate the “problem” that occurs when CSA customers get more kale or squash than they can cook in a week.

“What we’re trying to do is eliminate some of the problems,” said Verrill. “We’re going to have it so there’s absolutely nothing that you have to take. We might limit the amount of a few things, but for the most part you can pick and choose. There’ll be more things than anyone will probably want to take.”

Other customer-friendly adaptation includes offering a 22-week CSA season and allowing customers to pick up in any 20 of them, which should account for a few weeks of vacation.

According to Verrill, the farm had been thinking about introducing a CSA for the past several weeks and launched last weekend. They’ll cap it at about 200 shares, Verrill said, and there were plenty left as of Tuesday afternoon.   

Here’s the rundown on how the CSA will work, from the Verrill Farm website:

1. The cost of a share for 20 weeks will be $25.00 per week. The $500.00 total will be paid "up front."
2.  You will be provided with your own recyclable handled basket which holds nearly 2/3 of a bushel of fresh produce. You will use this each time.
3. Pick up will be every Thursday between noon and 6 p.m.
4. You will select your own items from bulk bins in our Farmer's Market CSA in the front porch of the farm stand. Some weeks there will be baked goods or other items from our kitchen or store. There will also be fruit in season from local orchards.
5. Choose from a great selection each time. Some items could be limited, such as tomatoes,berries, or peaches.
6. In most cases, a basket of produce will be enough for a family of four for the week.
7. Recipes for your weekly selections will be provided.
8. Information on handling various types of produce will be provided to help maximize patrons' value and enjoyment.
9. Shares do not include items from inside the farm stand. Several tours, pick-your-ownopportunities and specials will be offered exclusively to CSA members.
10. The CSA program will begin on June 20 and continue until Nov. 21. This will allow 20 weekly pickups within a 22 week period.
11. Registration and payment of $500.00 must be received by May 15, 2013. First come, first served as there will be a limit. Payment can be made by phone, mail or in person, using a credit card or check.