What makes the Four Root Farm CSA different?
CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a model in which customers are able to go beyond simply buying from a local farm, providing much needed support by buying a literal share in the business. Receiving the money in the early part of the season allows us, your farmers, to make the necessary investments in seeds, infrastructure, equipment, and field prep for the upcoming season. It also gives you, our shareholders, the opportunity to be more intimately involved in the yearly reality of agriculture’s inherent risks and fondest promises.
In a traditional CSA, customers receive a box of produce each week with little or no choice in what they are getting. This can be great for those who want to try new things, be encouraged to eat more seasonally, and enjoy the adventure of having their weekly menu planning dictated by the season and their farmer's knowledge and preferences. However, we know there are some who might want to be involved in the life of a small farm, but also want to maintain the choice of getting to shop for themselves (and take advantage of the option to include our beautiful flowers in their purchases!).
This is what we hope to provide with our East Haddam CSA program. Shareholders still pay upfront, but instead of getting a weekly share, you will log on to our website each week to fill up your basket with whatever looks best to you. You also will have the flexibility of spending however much or little you want each week through the season. Going on vacation for three weeks? Preparing a giant feast that you need extra for? Saving up to blow all your credit on Sun Gold cherry tomatoes? Go for it! We won't judge!
And for those who like the idea of your loyal farmers making you a bag, you’ll be able to choose a Farmer’s Choice Share on any week that you’re feeling either adventurous or lazy. You’ll still have to place the order weekly so we know you’re coming, but we’ll put together a bag for you that represents the best the farm has to offer that week (like a traditional CSA share).
When / Where: Pickups for the East Haddam CSA will be on Thursday afternoons at Four Root Farm. Ordering will be open on our website from Monday at 9am until Wednesday at 9pm, and will begin as soon as we start having food and flowers to offer, sometime around mid April. Assuming the weather cooperates, we will plan to have crops available at least through the week of Thanksgiving.
Please be aware that if your credit is not used up by the end of the season, the remainder cannot be carried over or refunded. We'll try to keep you posted throughout the season about how much is left on your account so that you can pace your spending accordingly.
How much: The cost of a Share is $500, but as a thank you for committing your money upfront, you will be credited extra to spend in our shop, according to the following schedule:
If you pay by February 15, 2024, you will get a 10% bonus for $550 to spend;
If you pay by March 15, 2024, you get an 8% bonus, for $540 to spend;
If you pay by April 1, 2024, you get a 5% bonus, for $525 to spend.
Any sign ups not paid in full by April 1st may still participate in the program, but will not receive a bonus.
How to sign up: Please send a check for $500 to: Four Root Farm, 257 Tater Hill Road, East Haddam, CT 06423, along with a note listing your name, phone number, and preferred email address. We will send an e-mail confirming the arrival of your check. You can also pay with Venmo @fourrootfarm (the account is under Rachel's name).
