COMMON WEALTH CSA
COMMON WEALTH CSA
The Common Wealth CSA has been offering shares since 1998, as a cooperative of several farms that distribute in the walkway next to the local co-op (Green Fields Market) on Main St. in Greenfield, MA.
Our three farms, Red Fire Farm, Shoestring Farm and the Benson Place, bring together a great selection of local seasonal produce every week for this CSA. You can see the farmers and some of their gorgeous veggies in the photo to the left.
Our Goals and Visions As farmers we seek to cooperate with each other and with shareholders to develop an alternative food system that supports our interdependence while building trust with one another. Our concern for people and sustainable living leads us to cooperate in our efforts to provide healthy and affordable food while building healthy relationships within our wider community. We wish to share with others in learning to live more sustainably and encouraging each other’s gifts and efforts toward a common goal. We wish to include other growers and shareholders in expanding our common wealth.
COMMON WEALTH HARVEST & SHARE INFO
Harvest Season:
Crops have been scheduled for harvest starting June 17th
and ending October 7th (17 total weeks)
Pick-Up Site:
Farmers bring freshly harvested produce to the pick-up
site behind Green Fields Market, 144 Main St., Greenfield. Shareholders
come from 3-6:30 pm on Wednesday to select their shares. They may choose
any combination of produce from a wide variety, up to a maximum weight.
(Crops in short supply may be limited on a weekly basis).
Share Options & Cost:
This year we are offering one share size,
equivalent to the “medium share” of previous years, which provided for
two adults. The share averages 10 pounds per week, lighter in the leafy
spring, heavier in the summer and fall.
We continue (since 2005) to offer
a sliding scale fee: the low end is for those who, like us, are economically
challenged; the high end will bring Common Wealth farmers’ incomes closer
to a living wage. We ask that unless you consider yourself low income
you pay at least $400 for a share. Payments over this amount will be used
to subsidize shares for low-income shareholders. Share
scale: $350-$450.
Work Exchange is available and encouraged for those who need to reduce the cost. Volunteers on farms and at the distribution site are appreciated. We suggest that each shareholder volunteer at least once during the season.
Payment:
A deposit in the winter or spring secures your share. Three
additional payments are made in June, July and August. Full payment up
front is appreciated by those who can afford it, as farming requires significant
up-front costs each spring. More flexible payment schedules are available.
WHO MAKES UP COMMON WEALTH CSA
Shoestring Farm, Colrain:
Richard Pascale has been farming organically (on 3 acres) since 1972, including selling at the Greenfield Farmers Market since 1975.
Jay Snyder started there in 2001, when he exchanged work for a portion of a share in the CSA; Jay has become an important part of the farm’s success in recent years.
Red Fire Farm, Granby:
Ryan Voiland and crew grow 40 acres of certified organic produce, plants and flowers on a 75-acre farm in Hampshire County. Ryan has been growing and vending produce since he was 12.
The Benson Place, Heath:
Dave Gott and Mark Benjamin supply the CSA with unsprayed wild blueberries starting in late July and running while supplies last.
Suzanne Carlson continues into our eleventh year as bookkeeper/administrator and contact person. suzannec@crocker.net or 413-774-2112
ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS
Maple Syrup from Shoestring Farm.
Call Richard for grades and availability:
624-3358.
Fall and Winter Produce Shares with Red Fire Farm to extend the season
from October through December.
413-467-7645 or Sign-up Online.
PYO plus pre-ordered bulk boxes of Wild Blueberries from the Benson Place. 413-337-5340.
CONTACT US:
Suzanne Carlson 413-774-2112
“We come in peace” they said “to dig and sow
We come to work the lands in common
And to make the waste ground grow.
This earth divided we will make whole
So it will be a common treasury for all.”From the Diggers at St. George’s Hill. England, 1649