Fire Ring Farm's Community-Supported Agriculture
Fire Ring Farm promotes community-supported agriculture in Portland, CT. It means a community of people come together to become direct supporters of a local harvest. Some people have heard of this new way to be involved in farming, where you get a bag of vegetables every week.
How does CSA work at Fire Ring Farm? Why is it a good idea? How do I become a shareholder? Here are some answers to those frequently asked questions you may have. If you have more thoughts or inquiries, please email us at nancy.livensparger@gmail.com.
How does CSA work at Fire Ring Farm? Why is it a good idea? How do I become a shareholder? Here are some answers to those frequently asked questions you may have. If you have more thoughts or inquiries, please email us at nancy.livensparger@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a CSA?
A CSA is when you buy in during the spring to our farm's summer/early fall harvest. You buy a membership share of the harvest, and then the land and farmer pay you back with vegetables all growing season. Once a week, shareholders come to the farm to pick up their bags of vegetables and fruits. You will get a mixed bag of whatever is being picked, and the food will change as the harvest changes over the growing season. Usually, this is a bounty. However, please know that a shareholder takes on some of the risks of the harvest as well.
How Does It Work at Fire Ring Farm?
Shareholders join us in January. We start our seeds in February, planting in the ground in April and May. The harvest and pickup will start around the middle of June, and we hope to run until the middle of October. Once a week, you will come to the farm to pick up your bag on a set day and window of time. One share is a bag of fresh, organic produce that a family of four will probably eat in about a week. On some weeks, shareholders get 10 to 15 lbs. of produce, while on other weeks, they may only get 6 to 8 lbs.
Why Is It a Good Idea?
First, it guarantees a fresh, local harvest with as few "food miles" as possible. Food is grown and picked for you, and it all happens on a farm and by a farmer you know.
Second, the CSA model is a way to ensure the continuance of small locally owned and operated farms, an increasing rarity these days. The CSA members share the risk and rewards of farming. The shares are non-refundable. In some years, you get more than you expected, but there is always a chance you might get less in some seasons. In essence, the idea is that the community makes a commitment to the farm, and the farmer sticks it out through thick and thin.
Second, the CSA model is a way to ensure the continuance of small locally owned and operated farms, an increasing rarity these days. The CSA members share the risk and rewards of farming. The shares are non-refundable. In some years, you get more than you expected, but there is always a chance you might get less in some seasons. In essence, the idea is that the community makes a commitment to the farm, and the farmer sticks it out through thick and thin.
How Do I Become a Member?
Fire Ring Farm CSA shares are open for the 2022 growing season. To receive information, have your questions answered, and be put on our contact list, please email us at nancy.livensparger@gmail.com.
