Community Supported Agriculture - The Basics
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a growing movement that promotes the preservation of small farms by directly linking farmers with their local community. CSA members help support their local farm by paying in advance for a share of the farm’s harvest. In exchange, the farmer plants, cultivates, harvests, washes and distributes vegetables and other farm products to CSA members on a regular basis. In effect, the farmer and CSA members form a mutually beneficial partnership rooted in the production, distribution and consumption of locally grown food.
The CSA Program at Keelboat Farms
Our CSA program is designed to promote a diverse, healthy diet based on seasonal eating. Each week during the growing season, our CSA members receive a box of fresh produce from our farm. We deliver shares to drop points conveniently located throughout our community. Members also get recipes, farm news & access to members-only events. Our CSA season lasts approximately 24 weeks (June-October) depending on the weather.
Our Crops
We strive to grow high quality produce in a way that is good for the long-term health of our farm, our environment, and our customers. That means taking care of our soil, minimizing the use of water and other resources, and protecting the diversity of our farm ecosystem. All of our crops are grown without synthetic fertilizers or conventional pesticides. Our CSA members are encouraged to stop by the farm and get a first hand look at what is (and isn't) going into their food. For more information about how we grow our crops, check out our growing practices page.
We plan to grow over 75 varieties of vegetables this season. We select these varieties based on flavor and adaptability to our local growing conditions. We grow customer favorites like heirloom tomatoes, fresh carrots, cucumbers, and salad mix. We also feature unique vegetables that you might not find in your local grocery store, like blue potatoes, purple carrots and yellow cauliflower. It might even make your kids start eating their vegetables!
We plan to grow over 75 varieties of vegetables this season. We select these varieties based on flavor and adaptability to our local growing conditions. We grow customer favorites like heirloom tomatoes, fresh carrots, cucumbers, and salad mix. We also feature unique vegetables that you might not find in your local grocery store, like blue potatoes, purple carrots and yellow cauliflower. It might even make your kids start eating their vegetables!
Although we don't have room to list everything we grow, this chart gives a rough estimate of when we harvest some of our major crops.
Share Sizes & Pricing
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Early bird pricing for members who sign up and pay in full during the month of February.
Weekly shares will vary depending on what is in season. Early spring and late fall crates will be less substantial and include less variety. Once the main-season crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers reach maturity, you can expect to receive a larger delivery each week.
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Photos of 2015 CSA Deliveries (standard share size)
Drop Points
We are in the process of setting up drop points in North Fayette, South Fayette, Robinson Township, and other local communities. Want to have your CSA share delivered directly to your neighborhood or workplace? Gather 8 or more members and we will make a special stop in your housing plan or place of business.
How Do I Join?
- Read and sign the CSA member agreement.
- Pick your share size.
- Pick your payment plan.
- Pick your preferred drop point.
- Submit your payment (Paypal or Credit/Debit cards accepted on our website. Contact us if you prefer to pay by check.)
