Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
We are sorry, but our 2010 CSA Program is now full. Please visit our market beginning April 30. We would love to see you.
What is Community Supported Agriculture?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and the community. Participants buy a "share of the harvest" in advance of the growing season in exchange for produce when it is ready. This relationship guarantees small farmers a secure market for their produce and minimizes the risks involved in farming. It serves its "members" by providing them a box of the very freshest, locally grown produce each week. Members know that they have purchased their produce directly from that farmer, which helps to ensure the viablity of the farm, aid in the preservation of farm ground and help the local economy. Members also have the assurance that their food is safe and fresh. members are also assuming some of the risks involved in farming, such as weather related events that prevent a crop from being harvested. Please keep in mind though that in over 20 years of farming, Harman's Farm has never had a total season wiped out.
Harman's Farm Market CSA
Harman's Farm Market offers the option of a CSA membership to its customers. Members pay in advance and can anticipate receiving a box of vegetables and fruits valued between $20 - $25 each week. The season will begin approximately the 3rd week in May and run through the end of October. There will be between 6 to 10 items (units) per box, depending on the value of the produce. The units in the box will vary according to the season. Examples of a unit could be: 6 ears of corn, 1 pound of green beans, 3-4 zuchhini, 1 quart of strawberries, 3-4 tomatoes, or a cantaloupe. In addtion to receiving produce grown on our farm, your share may also include peaches or apples from our trusted farm partner, Colora orchards in Cecil County, as well as eggs from Andy's Eggs, honey from Cybee's honey, cheese and ice cream from Keye's Creamery, pork from Woolsey Farm, and pork or beef from Deer Meadow Farm and Level Beef. Of course, these are all local farms which we support and hope you will, too. Shown below are a few examples of a full share from last year's CSA:
Early Season: 2 qts. strawberries, 1 qt. sugar snap peas, 6 squash, 1 bag lettuce, 1 bunch bok choy, 1 large bunch broccoli, 1 dozen eggs
Mid-Season: 1 doz. corn, 1 cantaloupe, 3 onions, 5 peaches, 3 cucumbers, 1 1/2 lb. green beans, 4 tomatoes, 2 green bell peppers
Late Season: 1/2 doz. corn, 4-5 tomatoes, 1 1/2 lb. green beans, 5-6 apples, 3 sweet onions, 1 butternut squash, 1/2 gallon cider, 1 block cheese
The pick-up location for our CSA is Harman's Farm Market. Pick-ups will be each week on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, as agreed upon, from 11:00 to 5:30. If for some reason you are not able to make the pick-up time some week, please ask a friend or relative to help out. If a member's share is not picked up within 24 hours of the scheduled time, the food will be donated to the local food bank.
Share Options and Membership Costs:
Members have the choice of the following types of shares:
Full Share: full box picked up every week - $450.00 (after 3/31/10, $475.00)
Bi-Weekly Half Share: full box picked up every other week - $250.00 (after 3/31/10, $275.00)
Weekly Half Share - half box picked up every week - $275.00 (after 3/31/10, $300.00)
If you wish to join Harman's Farm Market's CSA, please go to the page titled "CSA Registration" and print the form. Complete the form and mail it, with your payment, to:
Tom and Paula Harman
320 Priestford Rd.
Churchville, MD 21028
Upon signing up and receiving payment, you will be added to our CSA e-mail list to receive any information necessary to keep you up to date on what is happening.