Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or “share-holders” of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.

Source
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml

Wynn’s Tomato Ranch CSA Details

Each new harvest year you are able to buy a share in the harvest of Wynn’s Tomato Ranch. In exchange, you get a season’s worth of products. CSA’s foster a connection and commitment to the farm. 2009 is our CSA’s second year.

The Benefits

You will have access to a portion of our harvest–ownership. The produce will always be local and fresh and grown with a minimum to no pesticides. You will know where your food comes from; it is food with a farmer’s face. First and foremost, you will receive the harvest before it goes to market.

What to Expect

The targeted average share is about 12 – 15 lbs of produce per week. The quantity is suitable for two adults who like to cook and eat primarily at home or for a family of four otherwise. If it seems like too much, consider either a half share option, or ask a friend to go in with you on a full share.

A share is seasonal and the amounts and types of products depend on the time of year, growing conditions, crop successes and failures, etc. The length of the season will be from the first week of May through the end of September (20 weeks). The months with 5 weeks will give you one week with no produce share. You may choose a full share (20 weeks) for $500 or a half share (10 weeks) for $300 over the same months. The half share receives a share every other week.

In addition to vegetables and small fruit, shares are expected to occasionally include cut flowers, brown eggs, and pork (if you so prefer). We will also include credit towards purchases at our farm stand at the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market. You can also add one of Madolyn’s small bouquets each week over the 20 week season for $100 for full shares or $50 for half shares.

At a Glance

Season: May through September*
Since: 2008
Full Share: $500/20 weekly deliveries
Half Share: $300/10 bimonthly deliveries

Pick Up Location(s)

This year we would like to use a drop-off site where all of you could meet us and pick up your share.  We will choose two days of the week to meet you, and we will develop a firmer time frame as our shareholders join so that we can cater to their needs (probably one afternoon and one morning).

Wynn’s Tomato Ranch
15608 W Battlefield
Prairie Grove, AR 72753

Old Fayetteville Bus Depot
1041 S School Avenue (next to Brick House Kitchen)
Fayetteville, AR 72701

How to Join

The deadline for joining will be March 31, 2009. Payment will be due then for the whole season. Shares will start the first week of May. Once you have joined, you will receive a preference sheet to complete, which we be our guide as to what you really like or dislike as well as to any food allergies you might have.

Wynn’s Winter Market

We also offer a winter subscription program, aptly named Wynn’s Winter Market. You must subscribe to receive weekly email produce lists from December 1 through March 31. For more information about the winter market, visit the winter market information page.