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| September is Eat Local Challenge Month! |
| Community Supported Agriculture |
From the USDA website: Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of
individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally
or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support
and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders"
of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation
and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing
season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly
in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to
unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the
farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some
financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.
individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally
or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support
and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders"
of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation
and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing
season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly
in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to
unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the
farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some
financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.
In Frederick County and beyond: There are many different CSA programs to participating
that satisfy the needs of the consumer and showcase the strengths of different farms. Some
farms offer produce only, whereas others will offer cut flowers or eggs. Most CSAs nearby
Frederick offer a drop-off point in the city or in different neighborhoods, so that participants do
not have to travel all the way to the farm. (Though we do recommend traveling to the farm,
meeting the farmer and seeing where your food comes from. This is especially great for
children.)
that satisfy the needs of the consumer and showcase the strengths of different farms. Some
farms offer produce only, whereas others will offer cut flowers or eggs. Most CSAs nearby
Frederick offer a drop-off point in the city or in different neighborhoods, so that participants do
not have to travel all the way to the farm. (Though we do recommend traveling to the farm,
meeting the farmer and seeing where your food comes from. This is especially great for
children.)
Featured CSA: This year, Dave Elliott of Blue Mountain Farm is featuring CSAs throughout
the seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall! He has built hoop houses so that he could
grow greens throughout the winter. Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, the hoop
houses will soon come down. The Spring CSA is already underway, but Blue Mountain Farm
will also offer CSA shares for Summer and Fall. If you would like more information, please
e-mail us at info@eatlocalfrederick.com or contact the farm. Happy Eating!
the seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall! He has built hoop houses so that he could
grow greens throughout the winter. Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, the hoop
houses will soon come down. The Spring CSA is already underway, but Blue Mountain Farm
will also offer CSA shares for Summer and Fall. If you would like more information, please
e-mail us at info@eatlocalfrederick.com or contact the farm. Happy Eating!
 | Maryland CSA Programs Website |
| Summer Creek Farm, Thurmont |
www.SummerCreekFarm.com
| Sycamore Spring Farm, Frederick |
| House in the Woods, Adamstown |
| Red Wiggler Community Farm, Germantown |
www.redwiggler.org
| Heritage Hills Farm, Westminster |
| Glade Link Farms, New Midway |
| Jasmine Farm LLC, Glenwood |
| Scenic View Orchards, Sabillasville |
| More coming soon... | |
| CSA Programs Nearby |
Contact Information: Blue Mountain Farm 1149 Ridge Road North Hedgesville, WV 25427 304-754-6592 |