CSA Philosophy
C.S.A. stands for Community Supported Agriculture. When you enter into a CSA program, you are not "just a consumer". The participant agrees to financially support a small farm and farmer and in turn the farm agrees to support your bodily health and the health of the planet by supplying beautiful produce grown in a conscious way. It is important to understand that CSA should NOT be compared with a supermarket. The supermarket has access to a large variety and supply of vegetables year-round. The supermarket's produce buyer has a wide selection of supply sources and adjusts prices depending on supply and demand. The store structure rarely reflects the accurate cost and/or return to the individual farms. The direct contact and relationship that the consumer has with the farm through the CSA structure, allows for a greater level of consciousness and understanding of both the true nature of production costs and a reasonable rate of return to the farm and farmer. Farming, like any heavy industry, requires large capital investment in equipment as well as production in the form of seeds, transplants, labor, etc. prior to harvest. The large capital expenditures place the farm at risk of failure and possible closure if a crop(s) cannot be brought to market in a successful manner. Unlike many other occupations, there are NO safety nets when battling weather difficulties or endeavoring to survive among government policies of free trade v. FAIR trade.

The CSA structure was created in order to provide adequate compensation and sustainability to the farmer by sharing the risk of production with the CSA member. The CSA structure is one the few ways that small farmers are able to compete and survive against the continuous consolidation towards large corporate farming that currently plagues the farmscape.

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How does it work?
Our CSA is seasonal and runs from November to May. You will receive fresh biodynamic produce, delivered to your door step every two weeks. The member does not have a choice of what comes in the box each week, but with experience, Marian Farms has been able to identify what are popular and old time favorites during each season.

Our shipment dates start November 1st 2005 and are every other week for the next 30 weeks.

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Join now! We have limited openings
Our harvest schedule for 2005 - 2006 is as follows.

11/1/05
11/15/05
11/29/05
12/13/05
12/27/05
1/10/06
1/24/06
2/7/06
2/21/06
3/7/06
3/21/06
4/04/06
4/18/06
5/2/06
5/16/06



What do I get in my box?
Our Box contains a variety of seasonal biodynamic fruits and vegetables each week. We understand that our members are not looking for a bargain if it means throwing away produce at the end of the week therefore we do not load the box with unwanted extras.

The dollar value that is set for each item does not fluctuate based on market availability, as it does in the store. Our prices are fair to both you and Marian Farms, and you will find that over time our CSA will save you money over retail shopping. Our box accommodates households of 2-5 people: those who love to cook; and those who eat most meals at home.

CSA eating involves learning to eat what is plentiful and in season. It also involves more creativity but in the long term you will find it a healthy and rewarding way to get fresh fruits and vegetables. You will receive a monthly newsletter in your box, updating you on the Marian Farms' operations, educating you about biodynamic farming and agricultural issues in general.

Example of a Seasonal Box
November January
Qty Measure Item
1 Bunch Kale
1 Bunch Chard
1 Bunch Mustard Greens
1 Bunch Arugula
3 Head Lettuce: Red, Green, Butter
1/2 Lb Raisins
1 Head Garlic
1 Lb Yellow Onions
2 Lbs Yukon Gold Potato
1 Lb Persimmons
2 Lbs Meyer Lemons
Qty Measure Item
1 Bunch Kale
1 Bunch Chard
1 Head Cabbage
1/2 Lb

Spinach

1 Bunch Arugula
1 Lb Broccoli
1 Bunch Radishes
1 Bunch Carrots
1 Bunch Beets
5 Lbs Oranges

March May
Qty Measure Item
1 Lb Stir fry mix
1 Bunch Chard
1 Bunch Mustard Greens
2 Lb Fava Beans
1 Bunch Carrots
3 Heads Lettuce: Red, Green, Butter
1/2 Lb Dried Bananas
1 Lb Hawaiian Ginger
2 Lbs Yukon Gold Potato
4 Lbs Navel Oranges
1 Lbs Snap Peas
Qty Measure Item
1 Bunch Asian Green
1 Bunch Chard
1 Bunch Carrots
1/2 Lb Spinach
3 Heads Lettuce
1 Lb Broccoli
1 Bunch Radishes
1 Bunch Carrots
2 Lbs Lemons
1 Bunch

Beets

2 Lbs Cherries
*Due to weather variability and seasonal availability box contents are subject to change. Year-round staple products generally include, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, at least two leafy greens such as chard and spinach, and fruit.

How much does it cost?
$38.00 per box plus freight
  • West Coast delivery is less than $20.00 for freight.
    • California one day service
    • Pacific Northwest two day service
  • Rocky Mountains and Eastward we ship second day air, please call for shipping rates.

All our vegetables are carefully harvested, packed, and cooled for shipping. When you receive your box your produce arrives fresh!

Payment: We ask for a deposit; the deposit amount is based on when you start our CSA program and where we have to ship. As deliveries take place we deduct from your deposited amount. Please contact us for your deposit amount, 559-276-6185.

How do I join?
Call the farm at 559-276-6185


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Expected Production and Timetable
Season runs from November through June - 32 weeks total


Yearly Qty
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
Asian Greens
15 Bun








Beets
28 Bun.








Broccoli

05 Hds.









Cabbage - green

10 Hds.









Cabbage - red


04 Hds.









Carrots


28 Bun.









Cauliflower


05 Hds.









Chard*

30 Bun.









Cucumbers


04









Fava Beans


06 Lbs.









Fennel

04 Bulb









Garlic


15 Hds.









Green Beans


04 Lbs









Kale*

20 Bun.









Kohlrabi


06 Bun.









Leeks

04 Bun.









Lettuce

80 Hds.









Onions


25 Bulb









Peas


06 Lbs









Potatoes


30 Lbs.









Radishes


12 Bun.









Spinach


15 Lbs.









Squash-summer


08 Lbs.









Squash-winter


20 Lbs.









Tomatoes


06 Lbs.









Turnips


06 Bun.








Arugula











Minzuna










Mustard










*Designate if seeds are from farm




CERT.
Yearly Qty
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN

Almonds

D

03 Lbs.









Bananas-Dried

D

01 Lb.









Figs-Dried

O

06 Lbs.









Ginger-Fresh

D

02 Lbs.









Lemons

D

15 Lbs.









Oranges-Blood
D
15 Lbs








Oranges-Navel
D
25 lbs








Papayas-Dried

D

01 Lbs.









Persimmons-Dried

D

01 Lb.









Persimmons-Fresh

D

10 Lbs.









Raisins

D

10 Lbs.









Tangerines

D

12 Lbs.









Tomatoes-Dried

D
01 Lb.








Walnuts- In-Shell
D
5 Lbs.

D - Demeter certified, O - Organic certified

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