Lexington area CSA farms

This is the topic discussed on today’s segment of ‘Wellness Cooking’ on WLEX-TV. sq

So, What’s a CSA?

A CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for members of the community to create a relationship with a local farmer and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farmer, people become "subscribers" or “shareholders” of the CSA. The majority of CSA farmers have members pay for the season up-front. Some CSAs (not this one!) also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season.

A CSA season typically runs through the primary growing season, from late spring through early fall. CSAs have their roots in Europe and the UK and have grown by leaps and bounds in this country in the last five years.

In addition to all the bounty, a weekly basket often includes a newsletter with farm news, and recipes for some of the seasonal produce in your basket.

How is the CSA good for farmers?

Most of farmers’ costs occur during the off season when there is little cash flow and a good deal of expenses for things like seeds, fertilizers, part-time help, boxes, permits, insurance, and other market needs. Many farmers are forced to take out loans or run up credit card debt in order to pay for these. Getting their money up front allows farmers to lower their overall costs and earn money free and clear during the season.

How is the CSA good for customers?

Customers end up paying much less for produce they’d buy at the supermarket or, at times, even the farmers market. You’ll also get the cream of the crop each week and CSA members have first dibs on things like asparagus, sugar snap peas, and the first heirloom tomatoes.

Joining a CSA will help you stick to your health goals by establishing a habit of buying a basket of local, sustainably raised fruits and vegetables to have on hand all the time.

Customers can feel good about establishing a relationship and supporting local farmers. You’ll also be helping to protect farmland by keeping it in production while at the same time enjoying the healthiest and most delicious food available. (I imagine you will also save gas by not running to the supermarket twice a week).

Also, the food you get in your basket will be picked the day before or the same day you receive it. So there’s no way to really compare it to what you would buy at the supermarket.

Most CSA subscriptions extend from May through September or October. The price range for various shares are from around $200. to $600. for larger shares. For more information, please contact the participating farms below. To find CSA farmers in your area you can go to www.localharvest.org, or contact your county extension agent.

CSA Programs in the Lexington Area:

Honest Farm Market
Midway, KY
www.honestfarm.org

During our 20-week subscription we offer, in cooperation with other Kentucky farmers, a wide variety of organic and sustainably raised fruits and vegetables including berries, greens, heirloom lettuces, beans, and tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, apples, and herbs. Full shares are approximately 1/2 bushel and will feed a family of 4 or a couple of ravenous vegetarians. Local eggs, grass-fed beef, and local milk are available for share add-ons.

Contact Information: Susie Quick
(859) 846-4155 /(859) 533-0085

Elmwood Stock Farm
Georgetown, KY
www.elmwoodstockfarm.com

A wide variety of certified organic vegetables, eggs, chicken, and lamb. Three share sizes available plus meat and egg add-ons. For CSA details, please go to www.elmwoodstockfarm.com. Pickup locations in Lexington and Georgetown.

Contact: Mac & Ann Bell Stone, John & Melissa Bell, Cecil & Kay Bell
(859) 621-0755

Berries on Bryant Station
Lexington, KY

Baskets contain berries, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Examples include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, black raspberries, red raspberries, and golden raspberries.

Contact: Erik Walles
(859)293-0077

Terrapin Hill Farm
Harrodsburg, KY
www.terrapinhillfarm.com

CSA shares include a weekly box of organic vegetables and herbs newsletters containing farm news, recipes, what to expect in future boxes; opportunity to buy plant starts, farm-fresh eggs, and pastured poultry and other naturally raised meats. Pickup locations in Danville, Harrodsburg, and other locations for an additional delivery charge.

Contact: Brenda and Pete Cashel
(859) 734-7207

Three Springs Farm
Carlisle, KY
www.threespringsfarmcsa.com

The farm offers many kinds of sustainably raised vegetables, herbs, and flowers for their small subscribing membership. Pickup locations in Paris and Lexington.

Contact: David Wagoner
(859) 289-2562

Garey Farms
Paris, KY

A wide selection of varieties of several gourmet vegetables provided at its peak flavor. Pickup locations in Lexington and Louisville.

Contact: John Garey
(859) 576-1063

Greeley Farm
Beattyville, KY

Shares can be picked up on Mondays at Lexington or on Fridays at Georgetown or at the farm either day. Shares consist of a 1/2 or 1/4 bushel mix of produce that is ripe that day along with a weekly newsletter.

Contact: James Dunahoo
606-464-8190

My Father’s Garden
Winchester, KY

An array of sustainably raised vegetables that are certified naturally grown. They  also offer whole wheat bread and brown eggs from free range chickens. Pickup location in Winchester.

Contact: Molly Stotts
 (859) 744-7063