Barking Moon Farms CSA – Southern Oregon

Thinking about signing up for a CSA but need to know more before you commit?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.

I recently met Josh of Barking Moon Farms at the Ashland Growers Market. His stand is part of my Saturday morning routine: eggs, root veggies and greens. While many stands offer similar selections, his is my usual!

Barking Moon Farms is committed to organic farming and whole farm sustainability. They started their CSA program with 2 goals: promote locally-grown food and build relationships between the farmer and neighbor. The CSA model is a perfect way to achieve both!

Here are the basics of a CSA: a farmer offers a certain number of shares to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Consumers purchase a share (think of it as a membership or subscription) at the beginning of the season and receive a box of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. The farming season in Southern Oregon starts in June and ends sometime in November.

There is some room in the 2010 harvest season – if you are interested in participating this year, you’ll need to hurry! Download the 2010 brochure & application here

Based on the veggie eating habits of your family – you can choose between a large share or a small share. The cost of one large share for 2010 is $675 (that’s only $28/week!) A large share includes includes 9-13 items and typically provides a week supply of produce for 2-4 people. A small share is $480 ($20/week) includes 6-9 items and provides produce for 1-2 people per week. Familiar staples are included in each box like root veggies, greens, herbs (includes onion & garlic when available)

image is a typical August share: salad mix, spinach, beans, bok choy, chard, onions, garlic, eggplant, fennel, radishes, basil, carrots and strawberries

Wondering what the advantages are?

For farmers:
- Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin

- Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow

- Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow

For consumers:
- Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits

- Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking (weekly tips and recipes are included!)

- Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season

- Find that kids typically favor food from “their” farm – even veggies they’ve never been known to eat

- Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown

To contact Barking Moon Farms – visit them online, give-a-call or visit them at the Growers Market