Redwood Empire Farm's CSA!
Eat your way through the seasons naturally!
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture." CSAs developed as a way for small(ish) farms to fund themselves through the support of a dedicated, local customer base. A farm would offer "shares" of the farm to its supporters for a predetermined amount and the supporters would, in turn, receive a regular delivery from the farm. Originally, CSAs were rather inflexible and required members to pay a sum of money initially with the expectation, however not the guarantee, that they would receive produce from the farm. Ultimately, CSA members were interested in supporting and sustaining their local farms and agriculture, beyond what they would "get out of it" in the short term. Over time, CSAs evolved and the many farms who adopted the CSA model made their revisions and tweaks to the system. Now the term CSA can mean a number of things and is typically a reflection of the unique farm that is host to the program.
Our CSA is rather traditional. For a weekly fee of $25, our CSA members receive a bountiful bag full of the freshest, most delicious, nutritious, seasonal vegetables that we are able to grow. Members can pay monthly or they are welcome (encouraged!) to pay for the entire season up front. In appreciation for their support and foresight, we reward those who pay for the entire season with two free CSA bags. Our CSA is so beneficial to our farm because it helps us make money in the early part of the season when start-up costs are highest and income is routinely at the lowest. The commitment of our CSA members makes it possible for us to financially start our season while giving us confidence that if we grow it, they will eat it.
CSA members pick-up their CSA bag weekly at either the farm in Rincon Valley or at Three Dog Yoga in the Fountaingrove Shopping Center at Fountaingrove Parkway and Stage Coach Rd. If a member is going to miss a week, they can give us at least 7 days' notice and they will not be charged for that bag. If the member paid for the entire season initially and they need to skip a week, with the proper notice we will give the member $25 worth of credit to be used at our booth at the Santa Rosa Farmers' Market or at the Redwood Empire Farmstand. If a member skips a week without giving us 7 days' notice, they will still be charged and the produce in their bag will be donated to someone needy.
We love our CSA and go above and beyond to produce a weekly bag that is full of beautiful, delicious, healthy, clean produce that will leave you feeling like you got more than your money's worth. Our CSA family supports us the whole season, good weather and bad, and for that we are so grateful. You can be sure that if you join us, you will definitely feel as though you "know your farmers" and have your own, personal farm. Our CSA members are always invited to our farm events and are encouraged to participate in our experience of living and working with the land.
Here's what some of our CSA members have to say...
"Joining Redwood Empire Farm’s CSA was one of my best decisions of 2010! Pickup of our weekly bag was convenient, it was affordable, and the quality of the produce was excellent … truly, the best tomatoes in Sonoma County! But it also shifted my approach to cooking and eating. Instead of meal planning around what we “wanted”, we planned around the weekly surprises from our CSA bag. This made me feel connected to the land and its bounty in a different way … as a grateful servant-recipient, not a master. An unexpected experience of gratitude and connection was the result. Thank you, Redwood Empire Farm!" - CSA Member
"Thank you, Ariel and Jeff! You have helped us to teach our young children about the importance of local, seasonal (which really is as specific as the week), healthy eating. Our food is exponentially more delicious, better for the earth, and better for our bodies and souls. We can't wait for our 2011 CSA to begin!" - CSA Member
CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture." CSAs developed as a way for small(ish) farms to fund themselves through the support of a dedicated, local customer base. A farm would offer "shares" of the farm to its supporters for a predetermined amount and the supporters would, in turn, receive a regular delivery from the farm. Originally, CSAs were rather inflexible and required members to pay a sum of money initially with the expectation, however not the guarantee, that they would receive produce from the farm. Ultimately, CSA members were interested in supporting and sustaining their local farms and agriculture, beyond what they would "get out of it" in the short term. Over time, CSAs evolved and the many farms who adopted the CSA model made their revisions and tweaks to the system. Now the term CSA can mean a number of things and is typically a reflection of the unique farm that is host to the program.
Our CSA is rather traditional. For a weekly fee of $25, our CSA members receive a bountiful bag full of the freshest, most delicious, nutritious, seasonal vegetables that we are able to grow. Members can pay monthly or they are welcome (encouraged!) to pay for the entire season up front. In appreciation for their support and foresight, we reward those who pay for the entire season with two free CSA bags. Our CSA is so beneficial to our farm because it helps us make money in the early part of the season when start-up costs are highest and income is routinely at the lowest. The commitment of our CSA members makes it possible for us to financially start our season while giving us confidence that if we grow it, they will eat it.
CSA members pick-up their CSA bag weekly at either the farm in Rincon Valley or at Three Dog Yoga in the Fountaingrove Shopping Center at Fountaingrove Parkway and Stage Coach Rd. If a member is going to miss a week, they can give us at least 7 days' notice and they will not be charged for that bag. If the member paid for the entire season initially and they need to skip a week, with the proper notice we will give the member $25 worth of credit to be used at our booth at the Santa Rosa Farmers' Market or at the Redwood Empire Farmstand. If a member skips a week without giving us 7 days' notice, they will still be charged and the produce in their bag will be donated to someone needy.
We love our CSA and go above and beyond to produce a weekly bag that is full of beautiful, delicious, healthy, clean produce that will leave you feeling like you got more than your money's worth. Our CSA family supports us the whole season, good weather and bad, and for that we are so grateful. You can be sure that if you join us, you will definitely feel as though you "know your farmers" and have your own, personal farm. Our CSA members are always invited to our farm events and are encouraged to participate in our experience of living and working with the land.
Here's what some of our CSA members have to say...
"Joining Redwood Empire Farm’s CSA was one of my best decisions of 2010! Pickup of our weekly bag was convenient, it was affordable, and the quality of the produce was excellent … truly, the best tomatoes in Sonoma County! But it also shifted my approach to cooking and eating. Instead of meal planning around what we “wanted”, we planned around the weekly surprises from our CSA bag. This made me feel connected to the land and its bounty in a different way … as a grateful servant-recipient, not a master. An unexpected experience of gratitude and connection was the result. Thank you, Redwood Empire Farm!" - CSA Member
"Thank you, Ariel and Jeff! You have helped us to teach our young children about the importance of local, seasonal (which really is as specific as the week), healthy eating. Our food is exponentially more delicious, better for the earth, and better for our bodies and souls. We can't wait for our 2011 CSA to begin!" - CSA Member
Subscription Costs: $25/week
Payment Plans:
Monthly payment: We ask subscribers to pay an initial deposit of $100 upon signing-up that prepays for the first four weeks of their subscription. In addition to helping fund the farm's start-up costs, the deposit also lets us know that our CSA members are committed to us and that we can plant our crops feeling confident that we have people all set to buy and eat them. The deposit will be paid upon sign-up. After the initial four bags, CSA members will then pay the remainder of their fees in monthly installments at the beginning of each four week period.
Pay for the entire season: Those who sign-up prior to May 1st and pay for the entire season up front (first week of May- third week of November), will be rewarded with two free weeks of CSA bags. Instead of paying $750 for the season ($100/month for 30 weeks), you pay $700 for the entire season of fresh, local, natural produce! Afraid of having to miss a week when you're on vacation? You are free to arrange for a friend or family member to pick up your bag in your absence or, if you provide us with 7 days notice, you can skip the bag and receive $25 in credit to be used at our booth at the Farmers' Market or at our Roadside Stand.
Pick-Up:
Upon signing up, CSA members will choose to either pick their boxes up at the farm in Rincon Valley, Santa Rosa, or at Three Dog Yoga Studio in the Fountaingrove Village Shopping Center next to Traverso's Market.
We know that folks are busy and that scheduling time to retrieve CSA boxes can be challenging. To that end, we will work with our customers to make box pick-ups as pain free and convenient as possible.
We also understand that people are busy and frequently plan vacations during the summer season. If a CSA subscriber plans to be out of town and unable to receive that week's box, they will not be charged. We do, however, require one week's notice if a subscriber plans to skip a week.
What veggies and fruit can I expect to receive throughout the season? Click here to see a list of anticipated offerings...
Eggs and Chickens:
CSA members can add farm fresh eggs to their weekly box for an additional $6.00/dozen. Please let us know if you wish to receive eggs in your bag.
Members will also have priority access to Redwood Empire Farm's delicious, one of a kind pastured chickens!
Still have some questions? Visit our "Frequently Asked Question" page for all the answers!
Sounds Great! How do I sign up?
Download the application by clicking below or email Ariel at RedwoodEmpireFarm@gmail.com
Payment Plans:
Monthly payment: We ask subscribers to pay an initial deposit of $100 upon signing-up that prepays for the first four weeks of their subscription. In addition to helping fund the farm's start-up costs, the deposit also lets us know that our CSA members are committed to us and that we can plant our crops feeling confident that we have people all set to buy and eat them. The deposit will be paid upon sign-up. After the initial four bags, CSA members will then pay the remainder of their fees in monthly installments at the beginning of each four week period.
Pay for the entire season: Those who sign-up prior to May 1st and pay for the entire season up front (first week of May- third week of November), will be rewarded with two free weeks of CSA bags. Instead of paying $750 for the season ($100/month for 30 weeks), you pay $700 for the entire season of fresh, local, natural produce! Afraid of having to miss a week when you're on vacation? You are free to arrange for a friend or family member to pick up your bag in your absence or, if you provide us with 7 days notice, you can skip the bag and receive $25 in credit to be used at our booth at the Farmers' Market or at our Roadside Stand.
Pick-Up:
Upon signing up, CSA members will choose to either pick their boxes up at the farm in Rincon Valley, Santa Rosa, or at Three Dog Yoga Studio in the Fountaingrove Village Shopping Center next to Traverso's Market.
We know that folks are busy and that scheduling time to retrieve CSA boxes can be challenging. To that end, we will work with our customers to make box pick-ups as pain free and convenient as possible.
We also understand that people are busy and frequently plan vacations during the summer season. If a CSA subscriber plans to be out of town and unable to receive that week's box, they will not be charged. We do, however, require one week's notice if a subscriber plans to skip a week.
What veggies and fruit can I expect to receive throughout the season? Click here to see a list of anticipated offerings...
Eggs and Chickens:
CSA members can add farm fresh eggs to their weekly box for an additional $6.00/dozen. Please let us know if you wish to receive eggs in your bag.
Members will also have priority access to Redwood Empire Farm's delicious, one of a kind pastured chickens!
Still have some questions? Visit our "Frequently Asked Question" page for all the answers!
Sounds Great! How do I sign up?
Download the application by clicking below or email Ariel at RedwoodEmpireFarm@gmail.com
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