What is Community Supported Agriculture?
Photo credit: Alexandre Chiacchio. alexandrechiacchio.com/
Historically, a CSA was established to more directly connect farmers and consumers; get money up front to farmers when they really need it, get consumers the freshest and most nutritious produce; and take a little bit of the risk out of farming with a guaranteed market for the farmer. We have been running a CSA since 1992 on our farm. Upon receipt of your reservation and deposit, we will send a confirmation. Is cash flow a problem? Contact us for alternate payment schedules that will have the share paid off by the end of the season.
Philosophy
We have always believed in an integrated growing system that includes livestock, vegetable, fruit, and flower crops. Our animals and plants benefit from this relationship and the farm fertility is more independently sustainable. We are very focused on raising the most nutritious and tastiest food possible. Besides following certified organic practices that honor natural processes of recycling of nutrients through decomposition, we also focus strongly on biological practices that prioritize proper soil mineralization and microbial health that put the spotlight on soil carbon restoration. We sold our roto-tiller in 2014 and took the plunge into no-till. Additionally we have upgraded our cover cropping practices with more pre-season, in season and post-season use of cover crop cocktails (use of several species). Another important part of our fertility program includes heavy use of mulch with hay, straw, woodchips, and leaves. Keeping the soil covered at all times, with either growing plants (ideal) or with dead materials, is paramount to keeping the soil microbiology happy and well-fed. Finally, we work with our consultants at Advancing EcoAgriculture to maintain a weekly foliar spray program for all of our vegetables and fruits with fertility enhancing macro and micronutrients, biology and natural biostimulants like kelp. It is all about maximizing photosynthesis and making our soil mycorrhizal fungi friendly. Read Jack’s internationally acclaimed and in 9 languages– “Soil Carbon Restoration: Can Biology Do the Job?” – http://www.nofamass.org/content/soil-carbon-restoration-can-biology-do-job. Specifically, the taste of our produce is unbeatable, its “shelf life” is extended, color and texture are stronger, and yields have been improving each year for the past several years.
We use certified organic seed where possible and favor open pollinated seeds over hybrids because of a higher capability for plants of open pollinated varieties to grow strong rooting systems and thus enhance their genetic potential. We never use treated or GMO seeds.
How do I know this CSA food is Organic?
Many Hands Organic Farm was certified organic by NOFA/Mass, the Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter, from 1987 to 2000, and by NOFA/Mass Organic Certification from 2001-2003. The NOFA/Mass Certification Program changed its name to Baystate Organic Certifiers in 2004; we are presently certified by them. We are happy to explain our practices and answer your questions about how your food is grown – just send us an email at farm@mhof.net. Visit the NOFA/Mass website to become part of a community of folks who support organic agriculture and true sustainability in our fast-paced times.
How do I join the Many Hands Organic Farm CSA?
If you’d like to learn more about the various options and pick up locations for shares (Athol, Barre, Gardner, Holden, Shrewsbury, and Worcester), please follow this link. Once you have decided to join, you can fill out the order form.
Discount for joining the CSA before January 1, 2025
Share prices go up on January 1, 2025. Subscribe to the CSA by the end of December to save.
Share Size Price before 12/31/24 Price after 1/1/25 SNAP*
Small share $475 $500 $425
Medium share $640 $675 $525
Large Share $835 $875 $725
*Special Payments for the CSA can be made using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. We are partners with HIP (Healthy Incentives Program), managed through the Department of Transitional Assistance. Program participants can pick up at all sites. HIP will partially match your CSA purchase with more dollars. Contact Julie: julie@mhof.net or 978-257-1192 (cell) to sign up.