Farmshares
What is CSA?
CSA (community supported agriculture) creates a direct relationship between the farmer and the community. Members of the community purchase a ‘share’ of the farm’s annual harvest in advance of the growing season. Shareholders then visit the farm weekly to collect their share of the farm’s bounty.
This ensures the farm’s financial stability and long-term viability, and allows the farm to operate in a way that is environmentally sustainable. Shareholders also have a priceless opportunity to see firsthand where the food they eat comes from, to get to know the people who grow it, and to develop a connection to the land and generations of farmers that have come before.
CSA is about building relationships between farm, farmer, and community. It is about sharing in the responsibility for the land that we steward. The farmer and shareholders share equally in the rewards and risks inherent in agriculture. A CSA brings together a farm and a community in a special way to produce fresh, healthful foods, to sustain valuable (and rapidly shrinking) farmlands, and to preserve farming as a way of life for generations to come.
Environmental and social issues are important to consider in a world where much of what we would consume is processed, treated, and travels thousands of miles before it reaches our tables. CSA members send a clear message about how their food is grown and how their food dollars are spent. As a CSA member you will be a partner in sustainable agriculture -preserving local farmlands and farming, as well as consuming the freshest, most healthful food available.
You will also be an important part of ensuring that local needy families can share in our rich bounty. Local food banks and shelters will receive a portion of the surplus produce during the growing season, ensuring that families in our own community have the opportunity to receive fresh, nutritious food for themselves and for their children. This important work also allows us to form a caring relationship between farm and the hungry – a tradition that is as old as farming itself.
How does the share work?
Members purchase a share in advance of the growing season. The farmer uses those funds to procure seed, livestock and supplies. The fees also help to support the daily operation of the farm. We encourage shareholders to come and work on the farm as often as they can. This makes the task of operating a farm more manageable, and also deepens the connection of members to the farmer and the land.
Members collect their shares weekly at the farm. Delivery may also available in your area.
How much does a share cost?
A full share costs $1500 per year, $2000 delivered. Half shares and joint shares (split with one or more friends) are also available. We do require that one party in a joint share be designated for pick-up, however.
Renaissance Farms operates a Free-Choice CSA. This means that shareholders are free to choose what will go into their bags (not available for delivered shares). In order to streamline the process, our shares operate on a credit system. Each shareholder is allotted a monetary credit amount per week. Items are priced at farmstand (retail) prices. Shareholders choose from available produce, meat, dairy or other farm products to make up their weekly allotment. Some products are not included in the credit system, but qualify for a discount to CSA members.
Surplus produce, including shares that have not been collected, will be donated to local food banks and shelters or utilized to make other farm products. Unfortunately, we can not carry over credit from week to week. If you are vacationing, or are ill and can’t collect your share, please arrange for a neighbor or friend to pick up for you. Often this is a great way to introduce someone new to the CSA experience!
What is in a share?
A full share supplies enough food for a family of four (two adults and two children). Unlike most CSAs, Renaissance Farm Shares are year-round, rather than just through the short New England growing season. We have extended our shares with the addition of other farm products including eggs, meats, and dairy products. We also stock fresh, organic produce from southern producers during winter months and other organic and natural grocery items year-round. And as a special thank-you to our shareholders, we include a beautiful traditional balsam Christmas tree (approximately 8′ tall).
Shareholders can choose from:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Plants
- Raw Milk (goat)
- Pastured Eggs
- Raw Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Cut Flowers
- Farm-raised meat (chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, and beef)
- Firewood
- Manure/compost
- Shareholders also will enjoy members-only discounts on:
- Wool roving, batts and yarns
- Farm-baked goods
- Cultured dairy products (yoghurts, cheeses, and whey)
- Organic and natural groceries (at wholesale for members only)
- Handmade items
- Classes and workshops
- Events
- Christmas trees and greenery
In monetary terms, you pay approximately $30/week for approximately $60 worth of farm products (for a full share), plus have a significant cost savings on other goods and services at the farm. We think you will agree that’s a good deal!
May I purchase more than one share?
Yes, indeed! If you have a larger family, you may purchase shares in ½ share increments after the first full share.
I belong to a large group, can we “go in” together to buy shares?
Yes you can! We have Co-op Shares available for church groups, clubs, homeschooling and college student organizations, and workplaces. Click here for more information.
Can I exchange work for a portion of my share?
Yes! A limited number of work-shares will be made available for families who are unable to commit to the cost of a their shares. Barter arrangements can also be made in exchange for goods and services. Please inquire.
How do I pay for a share?
We prefer that shares are paid in full up front. This ensures that funds are available for farm expenses. If this presents a hardship for your family, please inquire about making more flexible payment arrangements. We don’t want to turn anyone away!
PLEASE SEE OUR CSA TERM AND APPLICATION. Both forms must be printed, signed and returned to Renaissance Farms. You may pay online, or send payment with your forms.
Renaissance Farms CSA Shareholder Terms