Columbia County

CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture

 All Chatham Listings

 Chatham CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture

12037, organic, CSA farm, upper-Hudson Valley, quality food, Community Supported Agriculture, CSA, healthy seasonal foods, organically grown vegetables, herbs, CSA membership, CSA Products, Protecting Our Ecosystems Projected Harvests | Columbia Little Seed Gardens "NOFA-NY Organic CSA"

518-392-0063
  Little Seed Gardens, a 97-acre certified organic CSA farm, is located at PO Box 195, Chatham NY 12037, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Little Seed Gardens: "Little Seed Gardens is a 97 acre family run farm in the town of Chatham in Columbia County, situated on rich bottomlands at the confluence of two creeks. Farmers, Claudia Kenny and Willy Denner and their two children, tend vegetables, cover crops and pasture. We are committed to agricultural practices that protect land and human resources, build biological diversity, and produce quality food for our local communities. Our food is grown without synthetic insecticides, fungicides, herbicides or fertilizers. Little Seed Gardens is certified organic by NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC. As farmers we work to sustain the land for future generations." Little Seed Gardens  "NOFA-NY Organic CSA" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Ghent Listings

 Ghent CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture

12075, Farm, organic fruit, vegetables, Demeter-certified, biodynamic, CSA farm, CSA program, Hawthorne Valley Farm, farmers, CSA membership, eat seasonally, local farmer, Biodynamic, Organic Products,  Community Supported Agriculture | Columbia Hawthorne Valley Farm "Organic CSA Farm"

518-672-4465
  Hawthorne Valley Farm, a Demeter-certified biodynamic CSA farm, is located at 327 County Road 21C, Ghent, NY 12075, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Hawthorne Valley Farm: "Since 1972, we have been producing high quality, Biodynamic and organic foods while providing farm-based learning experiences for children and adults. Our 400-acre Biodynamic farm includes dairy cows, vegetables, a creamery, organic bakery, sauerkraut cellar, and more. Our Farm Store is a full-line natural foods store open 7 days a week. Hawthorne Valley Farm  "Organic CSA Farm" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Hudson Listings

 Hudson CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture

12513, Demeter certified, biodynamic farm, Certified Organic, CSA shares, upper-Hudson Valley, CSA, farmers markets, CSA members, CSA farms, family sized shares, Organic CSA, Demeter USA, certifier, Biodynamic agriculture | Columbia Farm at Miller's Crossing "Organic CSA Farm"

518-851-2331
  The Farm at Miller's Crossing is a diversified Demeter-certified biodynamic farm offering Certified Organic produce and CSA shares. Miller's Crossing is located at 81 Roxbury Road, Hudson, NY 12513, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Miller's Crossing: "The Farm at Miller's Crossing is a beautiful 200-acre farm situated in the Hudson Valley of New York. The Agawamuck Creek divides the farm providing water for the animals and plants that are raised there. The old Albany-Boston Rail bed remains on the northwestern end of the property, providing the name Miller's Crossing, which was the stop and original address of this 200 year old farm. Farm at Miller's Crossing  "Organic CSA Farm" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Kinderhook Listings

 Kinderhook CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture

Katchkie Farm "Organic CSA Farm"

 

12106, upper-Hudson Valley, organic certification, Farmer's Pledge, certified organic, 100% grassfed, community supported farm, biodynamic farm, organic grain, vegetables, herbs | Columbia Roxbury Farm "Biodynamic Farm"

518-758-8558
  Roxbury Farm, a CSA biodynamic farm, is located at 2501 New York 9H, Kinderhook, NY 12106, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Roxbury Farm: "Roxbury Farm is a community supported farm. We grow vegetables, herbs, and grass fed pork, lamb, and beef for over 1000 shareholders representing over 1200 families in four communities - Columbia County, the Capital Region, Westchester County, and Manhattan - on 300 acres in Kinderhook, New York. Roxbury Farm  "Biodynamic Farm" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Lebanon Springs Listings

 Lebanon Springs CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture

12125, sustainably grown vegetables, flowers, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), Farmers Markets,  Lebanon Springs, NY 12125, Columbia County, culinary herbs and flowers for CSA, Farmers Markets, and restaurants, grown organically | Columbia New Leaf Farm "Sustainable and Organic"

518-794-0084
  New Leaf Farm, offering sustainably grown vegetables, flowers, and herbs for CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), Farmers Markets and wholesale, is located at 15 Crystal Springs Drive, Lebanon Springs, NY 12125 in Columbia County.

From New Leaf Farm: "In December 2014 Ellen Poggi and Mike Libsch purchased a new piece of farmland off of Main Street in Lebanon Springs. After years of apprenticing and running farms on leased land, we now have a permanent home for our farm.

At New Leaf farm we seek to grow healthy, hearty veggies year round while nourishing our family, our community, and the land. We grow 40 kinds of vegetables as well as culinary herbs and flowers for CSA, Farmers Markets, and restaurants. All our crops are grown organically, without the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical sprays." New Leaf Farm  "Sustainable and Organic" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Mellenville Listings

 Mellenville CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture

12544, Farm, biodynamic, vegetable farm, CSA shares, What is a CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, | Columbia Lineage Farm "CSA Farm"

518-755-3391
  Lineage Farm, a 3-acre biodynamic vegetable farm, offering CSA shares, is located at Route 217, Mellenville, NY 12544, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Lineage Farm: October 30th Posting
This week’s share (subject to change) - Garlic, Sweet Peppers, Hakurei Turnips, Mustard Greens (spicy, mild, and mix), Arugula, Purple Top Turnips, Butternut Squash, Kale, Tat Soi… Lineage Farm  "CSA Farm" | Columbia  website and more . . .
 All Stuyvesant Listings

 Stuyvesant CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture

12173, Farm, certified organic, CSA farm, NOFA-NY Certified Organic farm, CSA program, local farmer's markets, wholesale outlets, Organic CSA Products, Vegetables, Optional Egg Share, Optional Winter CSA Share | Columbia Red Oak Farm "NOFA-NY Organic CSA"

518-799-2052
  Red Oak Farm, a certified organic CSA farm is located at 1921 Route 9 Stuyvesant, NY 12173, Columbia County in the upper-Hudson Valley.

From Red Oak Farm: "Simultaneously, Taylor and Courtney Tribble, and Paul Colatrella and Amy Brown were looking to start a farm. Paul and Amy, professionals in NYC with a weekend property in upstate NY, had some good agricultural land and a remodeled barn but lacked the time and know-how to turn their dreams of a farm into reality. Thus, they began their search for folks to work the land and act as caretakers for the property. At the same time, Taylor and Courtney Tribble, experienced farmers who lacked the capital to buy land and equipment, were looking for an opportunity to start a farm of their own. As is often the case today, a new farming model was what was required and The Farm and the two families have grown together. Red Oak Farm  "NOFA-NY Organic CSA" | Columbia  website and more . . .

 More Hudson Valley  CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Albany Albany County
      [4 listings over 4 locations]


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Dutchess Dutchess County
      [6 listings over 5 locations]


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Greene Greene County
      [4 listings over 4 locations]


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Orange Orange County
      [3 listings over 2 locations]


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Putnam Putnam County
      [1 listing over 1 location]


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Rensselaer Rensselaer County
      [3 listings over 3 locations]


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Rockland Rockland County
      [1 listing over 1 location]


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Ulster Ulster County
      [8 listings over 6 locations]


CSA Farms | Community Supported Agriculture | Westchester Westchester County
      [4 listings over 4 locations]



CSA Farms
Community Supported Agriculture
Hudson Valley

Are you looking for a farm that offers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership? Find CSA farms offering fresh organic produce in your area. Have "just picked" packages of fresh vegetables delivered to your CSA pick-up location and learn how fabulous fresh vegetables can taste. Or, find a CSA farm in your town and go to the farm to pick your own vegetables. Either CSA option offers wonderfully fresh produce for you and your family

Find CSA farms offering memberships in the Hudson Valley. Find CSA farms selling fresh organic and local produce in the Hudson Valley of New York State. Visit a local CSA farm and learn about your local farming community.

Community Supported Agriculture, CSA
The CSA concept was introduced in the United States in 1985 by Robyn Van En. Since that time, the movement has spread throughout North America. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.

What is Community Supported Agriculture?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a direct market relationship of mutual support and commitment between a local farm and its members in the community. CSA membership is a unique partnership between the farm and CSA members, sharing both the bounty of the farms' harvest and some of the risks involved with regional agriculture.

    "CSA is a relationship of mutual support and commitment between local farmers and community members who pay the farmer an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm. In turn, members receive a weekly share of the harvest during the local growing season. The arrangement guarantees the farmer financial support and enables many small to moderate scale organic and/or bio-intensive family farms to remain in business. Ultimately, CSA programs create "agriculture-supported communities" where members receive a wide variety of foods harvested at their peak of freshness, ripeness, flavor, vitamin and mineral content." 1

      Biodynamic Farming
      Essentially, biodynamic farming and gardening looks upon the soil and the farm as living organisms. It regards maintenance and furtherance of soil life as a basic necessity if the soil is to be preserved for generations, and it regards the farm as being true to its essential nature if it can be conceived of as a kind of individual entity in itself — a self-contained individuality. It begins with the ideal concept of the necessary self-containedness of the farm and works with furthering the life of the soil as a primary means by which a farm can become a kind of individuality that progresses and evolves.

      The maintenance of soil life is vital also in order to protect the soil from erosion and to create, improve, and augment the humus content. The result will be a fine, crumbly structure containing the necessary organic colloids. This leads to the production of high-quality crops, which in turn means better feed for livestock and better food for human beings.

      Source Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association.

The goals of Community Supported Agriculture encourage a sustainable agriculture system providing farmers with direct sales outlets for farm products while ensuring fair compensation.

Are all CSA farms the same?
"There are many kinds of CSA farms. All include payment in advance at an agreed upon price. In some, members of the community purchase a "share" of the anticipated harvest, while in others they sign up for a predetermined amount of produce over the course of the season. In most cases, this commitment implies a willingness to share with the farmer both the bounty from the land and at least some of the risks involved with production.

"In return for fair and guaranteed compensation, members receive a variety of freshly picked, (usually organic) vegetables grown and distributed in an economically viable and ecologically responsible manner. Some farms also offer fruit, herbs, flowers and other products, such as meats, eggs, cheese, and baked goods. Many farms offer their shareholders the opportunity to work in the fields or distribute produce in exchange for a discounted share price. Others offer sliding scales to accommodate lower income members. In this way, farmers and members become partners in the production, distribution and consumption of locally grown food." 2

A CSA farm may be a small farm of a few acres or a larger farm of several hundred acres. The farmer determines how many "shares" (also called memberships or subscriptions) are available to sell to the public. A share may be designated as a box of seasonal produce (fruits and vegetables) to be given to the CSA member, once or twice a week, or when available during the growing season. Some farms also offer the option to pick your own produce.

    About CSA at Stoneledge Farm

    CSA members purchase a share before the harvest begins. The price of the share enables the farm to cover yearly costs, many of which are incurred before the crops are ready for harvest. In return, members receive 24 weekly shares of the freshest, highest quality, organic produce from the farm, starting the second week in June and ending in November. Stoneledge Farm donates to each CSA location one free Vegetable Share for each 10 Vegetable Shares sold. The CSA locations use the donated shares in a way that best serves their local CSA community.

    CSA members pick up their weekly share at their CSA Location, organized, managed and run by the members. The CSA is a true partnership between Stoneledge Farm and the local CSA Location.

    As each CSA Location is organized and managed independently by the members of that CSA, the CSA reflects the individual character of the neighborhood and community while partnering with Stoneledge Farm to grow and deliver the freshest produce for the members. A Core Group of Volunteers coordinate, organize and manage the local CSA, volunteering many hours of their time. Most of the CSA Locations have a Member Volunteer Commitment Requirement for each member. The Member Volunteer Commitment is generally 2-3 hours during the entire season helping at the distribution site. The local CSA community grows as members volunteer at the site, organize local events, share recipe ideas and meet at the weekly CSA pickup.

    CSA members have direct contact with the farmers. Members receive a weekly e-mail newsletter and have the opportunity to visit the farm during scheduled work days and Farm Festival. CSA members are directly supporting regional small family farms and their local community while eating seasonally, locally and organically. 3

Benefits of Community Supported Agriculture
There are many benefits to both the farmer and the CSA member in Community Supported Agriculture.The educational philosophy of Community Supported Agriculture is one of shared learning. By eating seasonally and knowing their farmers, members and their families have a more direct relationship with their food and become more aware of the importance of local agriculture. Children learn about vegetables, fruit, and other produce and have an appreciation of how food grows. Farmers enjoy knowing the people that are eating their produce and are able to plan based upon member’s needs.

  • CSA encourages proper land stewardship by supporting farmers in transition toward low or no chemical inputs and utilization of energy saving technologies.


  • CSA strengthens local economies by keeping food dollars in local communities.


  • CSA directly links farmers with the community - allowing people to have a personal connection with their food and the land on which it was produced.
  • CSA makes nutritious, affordable, wholesome foods accessible and widely available to community members.


  • CSA creates an atmosphere for learning about non-conventional agricultural, animal husbandry, and alternative energy systems not only to the farmers and their apprentices, but also to members of the community, to educators from many fields of study, and to students of all ages.


  • The farmer is able to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begins.


  • The farmer receives payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow.


  • The farmer has an opportunity to get to know the community and the people who eat the food they grow.

Benefits to the Consumer
Members of the CSA benefit in many ways, not the least of which is that they receive the freshest healthiest produce in the form of organic, sustainably grown vegetables and fruit.

  • The CSA member has access to ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits.


  • The CSA member is often exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking.


  • The CSA member is usually able to visit the farm at least once a season, and in some CSA programs, the member may donate time on the farm or lessen their cost by working on the farm a designated number of hours.


  • Kids typically favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never been known to eat before. The children may also develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown and harvested.


CSA are no longer confined only to produce. Some farmers include the option for shareholders to buy shares of eggs, homemade bread, meat, cheese, fruit, flowers or other farm products along with their veggies.

Sometimes several farmers will offer their products together, to offer the widest variety to their members. For example, a produce farmer might create a partnership with a neighbor to deliver chickens to the CSA drop off point, so that the CSA members can purchase farm-fresh chickens when they come to get their CSA baskets.

Other farmers are creating standalone CSAs for meat, flowers, eggs, and preserved farm products. In some parts of the country, non-farming third parties are setting up CSA-like businesses, where they act as middle men and sell boxes of local (and sometimes non-local) food for their members.

What to Expect from a CSA farm
Before joining a CSA, learn about eating seasonally. If you are not accustomed to eating seasonally. Eating seasonally means that you eat what is produced locally at your CSA farm during a particular time of year.

Although it may take a short time to get used to eating this way, you will find that the freshest and most tasty produce is produce consumed in season. For example, if you're eating strawberries in December in the Hudson River Valley, you know the strawberries traveled thousands of miles before you ate them.

Once you learn how to cook and consume foods that are grown locally and are "seasonal" you will never again go back to importing your food. Butternut squash is delicious in season, as is watermelon, raspberries, and you can't get anything tastier than an apple just picked from the tree.

Sources
1 & 2 Robyn Van En Center at Wilson College
3 Community Supported Agriculture at Stoneledge Farm




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