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Maple Rock Farm Community Supported Agriculture Information.

What is CSA?

Community supported agriculture is a system of farming where the consumer takes on a share of responsibility of the success of the farm by pre paying a set amount early in the season in return for a share of the harvest. CSA's can take several forms. In it's purest form, a core group of individuals hire a farmer to manage a farm that provides fresh seasonal produce solely for those members. The core group also assists in planning and general management of the operation.

The most common scenario we see today is where individuals pay a set amount up front early in the season ( January through March ) and receive a set price box of produce throughout the growing season. For example, a twenty week session running from June to October at $20.00 per week would equal a pre-payment of $400.00. Some farms pack the box for the consumer, some farms have the customer choose what they want.

Regardless of the system, the premise is the same. The consumer is assisting the farmer with the early season start up costs such as seed, fertilizer and supplies as well as providing the farmer a market for the crops he chooses to grow. In return the consumer is receiving the freshest, most diverse selection of seasonal produce available.

By becoming a CSA member, you are Taking an active roll in the success of the farm. Most small farms rely on the early influx of capital and are also in need of a market to sell what they produce. There are other advantages as well. CSA members are receiving food that was grown in a more sustainable fashion as has not traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to reach the table. Food dollars are spent within the community in which the consumer resides. This creates jobs which in turn strengthens the local economy. Obviously local food is fresher, tastes better and is less damaging for the environment as it has not made a long journey. In addition, local food has a face. The face of a farmer. Your farmer. It's a good thing to know and have a relationship with the person whom is providing a portion of the food you are putting on your table.

The Maple Rock System.

Over the course of the years, we have modified our CSA program to better meet the needs of our customers. We have found that our members prefer to choose the items they receive as opposed to us pre-packing a box. We have also found that we can reach a larger audience, regardless of financial status, by eliminating the large all at once pre-payment. Our system is simply a pre-pay credit. You can become a member by filling out the membership form and sending in a minimum payment of $100.00. Remember, our goal is to raise capital early in the year to guarantee that we have funding to cover our operating costs so we do appreciate larger payments if you are able. Once you are a member, you may use your credit when shopping with us at the farmers market for any of the products we offer. We keep track of the accounting for you and you enjoy a cashless transaction. Simple.

We sincerely hope you see the value in becoming a CSA member and look forward to being your farmers!