Farm to (kitchen) table.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture— it’s a collaborative relationship between farmer and customer. Think of it like a veggie subscription service, but better!
Your investment ensures access to the freshest seasonal produce, grown right in your community. When you purchase a CSA share, you play a key role in providing for up-front seasonal costs, which support the success of the farm. CSA members receive lots of extra perks too, which you can read about below!
The Details
This year, we’re adopting a more flexible approach by offering two ways to participate in the CSA:
Large and Medium Box Shares are available for pickup at our on-farm and Radford sites, as they have been in the past. These shares are pre-packed according to your submitted preferences and the size of your subscription. Distribution lasts for 20 weeks from mid-May to late October. (Please note: pre-packed boxes are no longer available at the Blacksburg Farmers Market Location)
Our *NEW* Custom Market Shares are for the Blacksburg Farmers Market location only, and offer a fully-customized experience. Members receive a farm debit card that allows you to buy down from your whole-season balance at your own pace, on whatever items you choose. Your debit card is valid for the entire 2024 season, beginning in April and ending in November.
Each week, CSA members will receive an email newsletter highlighting available produce, storage and preparation tips, recipes, stories from the field, and more!
Member Perks
Discounts
CSA members receive 15% off most other farm purchases, including additional produce (available at the Blacksburg Farmers Market or by special order), on-farm and virtual events, and merchandise.
Early Access
CSA members will receive exclusive early access to on-farm events and product launches. Events will always be announced in the CSA newsletter before they are made available to the public.
U-Pick and Bulk Buying
We think of our farm as an extension of your personal garden. CSA members have first-rights to bulk produce or u-pick opportunities so you can preserve fresh, seasonal produce for eating all year long!
FAQs
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Large Box Share: contains a weekly assortment of 6-8 seasonal produce items. This option is recommend for families of 3-4 people, or couples who eat a plant-based diet and/or wish to preserve seasonal produce. Valued at $36 per week.
Medium Box Share: contains a weekly assortment of 5-6 seasonal produce items (in smaller quantities than the large share). This option is recommend for individuals who enjoy their veggies, or couples with or without small children. Valued at $25 per week.
Customized Market Share: assumes the same average value as the Box shares, but it completely flexible. Get twice as much one week, skip two weeks, stock up on a particular favorite… the sky’s the limit!
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All shares assume a 15% increase in value from market prices, and benefit members equally, whether they subscribe to a Large or Medium Box, or opt for the Custom Market Share.
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We will return to the Blacksburg Farmers Market in mid-April, with packed Box shares beginning in mid-May. Weekly Box Share pickups will continue for 20 weeks through the summer and fall.
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Box Share members are invited to share their preferences each week, and I always do my best to accommodate them. Typically that means you are able to request and receive 2-4 items of your choosing, with the rest chosen for you.
Custom Market members can choose whatever they like, whenever they like.
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Our 2024 crop plan includes over 60 varieties of annual vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Late spring and early summer will see items such as strawberries, sugar snap peas, kale, spinach, cabbage, beets, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, and radish.
High summer will bring seasonal favorites like tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, garlic, sweet corn, zucchini, tons of fresh herbs and more!
Late summer and early fall herald the return of cool weather-loving crops like hearty greens, root vegetables, pumpkins and winter squash.
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It happens! Our commitment to relationship with our customers means we can be flexible when you’re on vacation, experience scheduling conflicts, or otherwise find yourself unable to collect your CSA. You can always send someone else for pickup, or we can schedule an alternative time if necessary. Just reach out as you need to!
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The farm is Certified Naturally Grown!
Everything we raise, from the fruits and veggies to our animals, is produced with a deep commitment to responsible ecological practices.
We never use synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides. We prioritize soil health through regenerative agricultural principals like no-till, responsible compost sourcing, and facilitating a diverse ecosystem of plant and animals that work in harmony with nature. In short, all our growing practices are “organic” in the heart-level meaning of the word. However we will not be pursuing USDA Organic certification, as it is cost-prohibitive and administratively taxing beyond what our small farm can afford.
You are always welcome to ask questions about our growing practices and we welcome you to come see for yourself how your food is being grown!
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Absolutely! Please reach out if you would like to schedule a visit for a different day or time, or if you would like to bring guests beyond your immediate family. For the health and safety of our livestock and garden, dogs are not permitted.
Remember, the farm is our home! While we deeply desire to share it with our community, it is important for our family to also set appropriate boundaries. Please do not show up unannounced during non-pickup hours.
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No worries, we are here to answer them! Please feel free to email Erin and we will get you sorted.