What is CSA?
CSA (community supported agriculture) creates a direct relationship between the farmer and the community. Members of the community purchase a 'share' of the farm's annual harvest in advance of the growing season. Shareholders then visit the farm weekly to collect their share of the farm's bounty.
This ensures the farm's financial stability and long-term viability, and allows the farm to operate in a way that is environmentally sustainable. Shareholders also have a priceless opportunity to see firsthand where the food they eat comes from, to get to know the people who grow it, and to develop a connection to the land and generations of farmers that have come before.
CSA is about building relationships between farm, farmer, and community. It is about sharing in the responsibility for the land that we steward. The farmer and shareholders share equally in the rewards and risks inherent in agriculture. A CSA brings together a farm and a community in a special way to produce fresh, healthful foods, to sustain valuable (and rapidly shrinking) farmlands, and to preserve farming as a way of life for generations to come.
Environmental and social issues are important to consider in a world where much of what we would consume is processed, treated, and travels thousands of miles before it reaches our tables. CSA members send a clear message about how their food is grown and how their food dollars are spent. As a CSA member you will be a partner in sustainable agriculture -preserving local farmlands and farming, as well as consuming the freshest, most healthful food available.
You will also be an important part of ensuring that local needy families can share in our rich bounty. Local food banks and shelters will receive a portion of the surplus produce during the growing season, ensuring that families in our own community have the opportunity to receive fresh, nutritious food for themselves and for their children. This important work also allows us to form a caring relationship between farm and the hungry - a tradition that is as old as farming itself.
How does the share work?
Members purchase a share in advance of the growing season. The farmer uses those funds to procure seed, livestock and supplies. The fees also help to support the daily operation of the farm. Each share includes a small commitment of time - just 4 hours a month. This ensures that the task of operating a very large-scale farm is manageable, and also deepens the connection of members to the farmer and the land. If you are unable to commit to a work commitment, we will require a 20% premium. This is necessary in order to pay a staff member to work your share.
Members collect their shares weekly at the farm. Delivery is also available for an additional fee. Delivered shares will be chosen by us.
How much does a share cost?
A full share costs $1000 per year. Half shares and joint shares (split with one or more friends) are also available. We do require that one party in a joint share be designated for pick-up, however.
Renaissance Farms operates a Free-Choice CSA. This means that shareholders are free to choose what will go into their bags. In order to streamline the process, our shares operate on a points system. Each shareholder (depending upon the type of share) is allotted a number of points per week. Each item available is assigned a points value. Shareholders choose from available produce, meat, dairy or other farm products to make up their weekly allotment. Some products are not included in the points system, but qualify for a discount to members.
Surplus produce, including shares that have not been collected, will be donated to local food banks and shelters or utilized to make other farm products. Unfortunately, we can not carry over points from week to week. If you are vacationing, or are ill and can't collect your share, please arrange for a neighbor or friend to pick up for you. Often this is a great way to introduce someone new to the CSA experience!
What is in a share?
A full share supplies enough food for a family of four (two adults and two children). Unlike most CSAs, Renaissance Farm Shares are year-round, rather than just through the short New England growing season. We have extended our shares with the addition of other farm products including eggs, meats, and dairy products. We also stock fresh, organic produce from southern producers during winter months and other organic and natural grocery items year-round. And as a special thank-you to our shareholders, we include a beautiful traditional balsam Christmas tree (approximately 8' tall).
Shareholders can choose from:
Vegetables
Fruits
Plants
Raw Milk (goat and cow)
Pastured Eggs
Raw Honey
Maple Syrup
Cut Flowers
Farm-raised meat (chicken and turkey)
Firewood
Manure/compost
Shareholders also will enjoy members-only discounts on:
Wool roving, batts and yarns
Farm-baked goods
Organic and natural groceries (at wholesale for members only)
Handmade items
Classes and workshops
Events
Horse boarding and riding ** may not be available for 07/08
Christmas greenery
In monetary terms, you pay approximately $19/week for approximately $45 worth of farm products (for a full share), plus have a significant cost savings on other goods and services at the farm!
May I purchase more than one share?
Yes, indeed! If you have a larger family, you may purchase shares in ½ share increments after the first full share.
Can I exchange work for a portion of my share?
Yes! A limited number of work-shares are available for families who are unable to commit to the cost of a full-share. The amount of the discount will depend upon the number of hours you are available. Please inquire.
How do I pay for a share?
We prefer that shares are paid in full up front. This ensures that funds are available for farm expenses. If this presents a hardship for your family, please inquire about making more flexible payment arrangements. We don't want to turn anyone away!
PLEASE SEE OUR CSA TERMS AND APPLICATION. Both forms must be printed, signed and returned to Renaissance Farms. You may pay online, or send payment with your forms.
Full Share Price: $1000