Sharing the Harvest: A Citizen's Guide to Community Supported Agricultureby Elizabeth Henderson and Robyn Van En
This book describes many problems of the current food production & distribution system. More importantly, it provides a solution using Community Supported Agriculture. The book outlines the steps necessary to set up a CSA, discusses options and issues for each step, and includes examples from CSAs all over the country. Many references and a resource list guides readers to other sources of information in a variety of media. I am a CSA consumer, not a farmer or an organizer; I enjoyed the book and am much more optimistic about the power groups of individuals have to change the system
The majority of the book is about how CSAs are saving the world. There are useful charts for determining share size and how much to grow.
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Grow Local, Eat Local
The proposed Siletz Exchange will not be operating until at least the Summer of 2011. For the latest status and more information: Call Coralee 541-765-2109
To join the Siletz Exchange:
Once you have paid your subscription fee, you have your choice of three (3) different types of membership:
1. Grower Membership
You will be able to suggest and select what “assigned” produce you are to grow. You will have to grow enough to provide that produce for all the members of the Siletz Exchange. Of course, the more members, the more you have to grow, but likewise, the more produce you receive. There are no other charges.
Plant only 4 different vegetables in your garden and receive large varieties of produce from other gardens. Receive produce all summer long.
The concept behind the Siletz Exchange is that each gardener would plant an:
Once a week you will harvest and come the Grange building in Siletz to get your share from the other gardens. You receive produce every week from the other gardens whether you are able do a weekly harvest from your garden or not.
It is your choice of what Vegetables, Fruits, Eggs, Flowers, Herbs, and Mushrooms you want to provide. The exchange will be limited to only 20 gardeners for the 2011 summer,
You will receive full share (enough for 2 people) if you want a double share (4 people) or more, then you will have to grow more produce. You can expect to receive 350 – 400 pounds per share per season.
CSA Membership
- If do not want or cannot grow produce, then you purchase a full share at a $300 addition fee. This addition fee is set by the Grower Members of the Exchange. You can expect to receive 350 – 400 pounds per season.
Non-Grower Membership
– There is no extra cost, other that the annual subscription fee of $75. This membership entitles a member to select up to 5 pounds per week for 15 weeks. This selection takes place AFTER the Grower and CSA members requirements are satisfied. The selection order will be determined by date subscription fee is paid. The early birds get the first selection.
What is a Normal Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
How it Works
Growing Season
We will consider growing other vegetables or additional varieties of vegetables . If you have something you'd like to add, let's talk about it!
Basil
Sample Siletz Exchange Boxes:
July: corn, red potatoes, cilantro, lettuce, sweet onions, carrots, broccoli, onion & tomatoes
August: potatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, carrots, leeks, shallots, sweet onions, eggplant, green peppers, lettuce & cauliflower
September: potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, red and yellow peppers, dill, spinach, onions, carrots, eggplant & summer squash
October: chard, kale, potatoes, garlic, carrots, spinach, lettuce, turnips, butternut squash, corn, tomatoes & broccoli
Splitting Shares
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Index of Articles about Organic Farming and CSAs
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Grower Membership - Grow your “assigned” produce.
You are invited to join us in an arrangement called "Community Supported Agriculture" or "CSA". CSA provides a mutually beneficial arrangement between members of the community. The Siletz Exchange is committed to provide fresh, healthy, locally grown produce throughout the growing season. Only organic fertilizers and natural pest and weed control methods are to be utilized; no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides will be used. As a member, you know how and where the food you eat is grown. You have a benefit by having a known outlet for produce before it is grown. This arrangement means healthier food for you and your family.
The season normally would be for 15 - 16 "pickups." For each of these pickups you will receive one box of produce per week. You will make pickups by in the late afternoon on the same day, at the same location, each week for the duration of the season. Your box will contain a variety of produce based on what is available that week. Your final regular pickup could include pumpkins, winter squash, and storage onions, in addition to any other produce still available.
In gardening, there are no absolute guarantees. Every year is different, but all members are committed to making their best effort to grow all items, plus add a thing or two along the way. Following is a list of approximately what we think could be deliver during a growing season. The total weight of deliveries would total over 350 pounds!
June: Tomatoes, strawberries, sweet onions, potatoes, cabbage, collards, lettuce, colored carrots, zucchini & cucumbers
The quantity of produce you receive may seem to be a tremendous amount, and it is. You will likely need to plan on canning or freezing a significant amount of it in order to take full advantage of this opportunity yourself. However, there is another option for using all of this produce. You can split a share with a friend, neighbor, or family member. This will allow you to use most of the produce fresh and cut your cost in half, thirds, or even fourths!