The Farm on St. Mathias

"The Basket People"

CSA = Community Supported Agriculture

What is a CSA?

In basic terms, a CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes a community farm, with the grower and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.  Typically, members, or “shareholders” of the farm pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation.  In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production.  Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests.  In addition, shareholders benefit from locally grown, organically produced fresh produce free from pesticides and herbicides. 

 

The Farm on St. Mathias will offer 50 Shares for the 2008 Season.  Some changes from last year:

· We have provided four plots for community groups to learn how sow, plant and reap harvests and provide opportunities for learning for some folks who would not have that opportunity.  In addition, church organizations will be participating in “harvest banquet” plots—planting and tending all that will be needed for harvest dinners. 

· We are offering one more Harvest Share—persons who “work” on the farm in return for their share.  Harvest Shares, this year, will be in charge of sections of the garden and may work with the plots operated by the harvest banquet folks as listed above.

· We will be using recycled and recyclable waxed produce boxes as the vessels for shares .  In our research we have found that they not only maintain temperatures for produce and keep the produce fresher longer, but they provide structure for transportation and storage.

· We will be offering meat for shares this year; however, meat will be on an ala cart basis.  The farm will stock chicken, beef, lamb, pork and buffalo.  Meat will be restocked based on need.  This will allow customers to purchase meat based on need, i.e., a family of 2 vs family of 4 or company’s coming!

· Vegetable shares will be $480.00 for approximately 16 weeks, or as the season permits. Generally, baskets are ready by mid June and run through September.  We offer a 10% discount for those customers who pay in full. We have done considerable research on pricing and feel that the price structure is lower than other CSAs in our general area and are of a comparable value. 

· A new change is membership dues:  Because of the state of the economy and a desire to provide shares to all, The Farm on St. Mathias will accommodate all customers with a payment schedule.  Please contact The Farm for individual and confidential consultation.  You may reserve your basket subscription for as little as $25.00.

· Distribution days and locations will be determined based entirely on membership and will be firmed up when membership is closed.  At this point (April 2008), The Farm will distribute to the Nisswa area one day per week with Saturday distribution at The Farm or by special arrangement due to planned absences.

· Click here for Subscription Agreement.  Subscription Agreements should be received with down payment by May 31st or by special arrangement.