What exactly is a CSA, anyway?
CSA means Community Supported Agriculture. When people join a CSA, they become members of a farm, and receive regular disbursements of food from the farm, usually on a weekly basis. CSAs are a huge support to small farmers because members pay for much of their food up front, providing farms with much-needed capital investments at the start of a season, when the farm needs to purchase items for the growing season.
Why should I sign up for a Brookford Farm CSA share?
Brookford Farm vegetables, dairy products, and meats are renowned not only for their unsurpassed richness and flavor, but also because they are local, pasture-raised, and sustainably-grown foods. Our “build your own” CSA model is uniquely flexible because members are able to choose a base share plus special add-on foods from our huge variety of products. Our CSA members can be confident that not only are they are supporting local enterprise and traditional foodways, but also that they’re getting a great deal on the most incredible food in New England.
Where are your CSA pick-ups?
CSA pickups will take place in Dover, Exeter, and Windham, NH and at Brookford Farm’s new location in Canterbury, NH.
What types of food can I expect as part of my share?
You can see photos of typical summer and fall 2010 vegetable shares on our Flikr stream. In 2012 we are growing a total of 75 varieties of 30 different vegetables. We focus on veggies which are used every day in the kitchen. Our veggies are produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. In addition to vegetables, we also offer shares which include grass-fed meats, pastured chickens and pork, “more than free-range” eggs, and a full range of our organic dairy products, including our famous raw milk and cream. You can also find more details on our CSA info page.
How much food is included in a share? Will it be enough/too much for me?
Like all CSAs, the answer to this depends upon the season, not to mention on individuals’ preferences with cooking and eating. In general, we find that our vegetable shares are a good size for one or two adults who cook most meals at home. Dairy shares include two dairy items per week – for example, one half-gallon of milk and one quart of yogurt. We strongly suggest that larger households and families who are interested in eating food primarily from the farm might need to purchase more than one share. Keep in mind that our CSA members always receive 5% off market prices for all our products, so you can always buy what you need a la carte.
When are food pick-ups?
Starting in June 2012, pickups are planned as follows:
- Dover, NH — Site to Be Announced Tuesdays from 3 pm – 6 pm
- Windham, NH (A Simply Wholesome Life*) Tuesdays from 3 pm – 6 pm
- Brookford Farm in Canterbury, NH Thursdays from 3 pm – 6 pm
- Exeter, NH at 9 Newfields Road Thursdays from 3 pm – 6 pm
*additional fee applies for deliveries to Windham, NH
Is there a mandatory work component to your CSA?
No. We do schedule lots of voluntary social events like potlucks, farm tours, theatrical performances, hayrides, public speakers, and festivals, as well as voluntary work days, which help us out enormously when there’s a lot of weeding or harvesting to be done in a short amount of time. No one is required to attend any of these events, however.
What happens to my share if I go away on vacation or if I miss a pick-up for some reason?
During summertime, our strong preference is that you arrange with a friend to pick up for you at your established pick-up time. If that doesn’t work for you for some reason, it is also possible to email us to request a pick-up at another CSA point of distribution.
Can I get a half share?
We purposely sized the shares smaller for the 2012 CSA season to help eliminate the need for split shares. If you think you’ll need less than one of our shares this season, we suggest you find a partner to split your share with – the farm can no longer offer half shares in their own right.
There are many different CSA models. Can you give me more details about the way Brookford Farm runs its CSA program?
Once again this year, Brookford Farm is offering a Build-Your-Own CSA which features incredible flexibility with a choice of three base shares, a number of versatile “add-on” shares, and four pick-up options. Here’s how it works: CSA members choose one of three base shares (Whole Diet, Dairy and Pork, or Vegetable) and then have the option to add on one or more specialty food categories (dairy, pork, beef, broilers, eggs, stewing hens) to suit a family’s tastes and dietary needs.
How many weeks total are in your CSA?
our 2012 Summer Session will last 20 weeks (20 pickups). The session will commence the week of June 11th 2012 and end the week of October 22nd 2012.
How can I sign up?
Send an email to us, or if you’re ready to sign up now, please use our online registration. Thanks for your interest!
