Marian Farms has a winter season CSA, a Community Supported Agriculture program. People in the western United States can “subscribe” for bi-weekly boxes of produce delivered direct to their door.
CSA
Philosophy
A
CSA establishes a direct connection between the farmer and the consumer.
This innovative farmer-consumer agreement has taken off around the
country in recent years. People agree in advance to financially support
a small farm and farmer for a season, and the farmer agrees to provide
the freshest, healthiest, seasonal produce possible on a regularly
scheduled basis. 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.
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.
Moreover, members of Marian Farms’ CSA can obtain Demeter certified
Biodynamic produce, which is nearly impossible to find in grocery
stores today, along with occasional certified organic offerings. In
addition to ensuring greater stability to the operations at Marian
Farms, CSA members are also supporting the larger important movement
of furthering Biodynamic agriculture in the United States.
How does it work?
Our
CSA runs from November to May - April. You will receive Biodynamic
fruits – such as lemons, oranges and raisins -- and a wide variety
of fresh vegetables delivered to your door every two weeks. In warm
weather, we ship with ice packs so you can be confident your produce
will arrive in perfect condition. Many of the vegetables we grow are
from heirloom seeds, and include such tempting offerings as hearty
Russian Kale, sweet Bloomsdale Spinach, aptly named Bulls Blood Beets,
deeply-colored Red Chantenay Carrots, and beautiful Deer Tongue and
Concorde Lettuces. 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 popular and favorites items.
For the 2008-09 season, our shipment dates started in November and
are then every other week for the next 30 weeks. Shares in the CSA
are limited, so sign up early for the season. Each box, approximately
14 pounds in weight, generally feeds two to five people for two weeks.
CSA eating involves learning to eat what is plentiful and in season.
It also involves more creativity. In the long term, you will find
it a healthy and rewarding way to get fresh fruits and vegetables.
Members receive a monthly newsletter in their box with updates on
Marian Farms, educating you about biodynamic farming and agricultural
issues in general.
Rates are $55.00 per box each week, plus freight. West Coast delivery
is less than $20.00 for freight. In California there is one-day service,
and in the Pacific Northwest there is two-day service. In the Rocky
Mountains and eastward, we ship second day air, so please check with
us for rates. When you first sign up, we ask for a deposit for the
season, the amount of which 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.
To join Marian Farms CSA, call (559) 276-6185.
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Join now! We have limited openings
Our
harvest schedule for 2008 - 2009 is as follows.
Group A – every other week to first part of April 12: 13 deliveries.
|
11/04/08
|
11/18/08
|
12/02/08
|
12/16/08
|
12/29/08
|
|
1/13/09
|
1/27/09
|
2/10/09
|
2/24/09
|
3/10/09
|
|
3/24/09
|
4/07/09
|
4/21/09
|
|
|
26
week season/13 boxes
Group B
|
11/11/008
|
11/24/008
|
12/09/08
|
12/22/08
|
1/06/09
|
|
1/20/09
|
2/03/09
|
2/17/09
|
3/03/09
|
3/17/09
|
|
3/31/09
|
4/14/09
|
4/28/09
|
|
|
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 |
Winter
Squash |
| 1
|
Lb |
Raisins |
| 2 |
Lbs |
Meyer
Lemons |
|
| Qty |
Measure |
Item |
| 1
|
Lb |
Stir
fry mix |
| 1 |
Bunch |
Chard |
| 1 |
Bunch |
Mustard
Greens |
| 2
|
Lb
|
Fava
Beans
|
| 1 |
Heads |
Carrots |
| 3 |
Lb |
Lettuce:
Red,
Green, Butter |
| 1/2 |
Lb |
Almonds
|
| 1 |
Lb |
Hawaiian
Ginger |
| 2 |
Lbs |
Carrots
|
| 4 |
Lbs |
Navel
Oranges |
| 1 |
Lbs |
Snap
Peas |
|
|
| March
& April |
| Qty |
Measure |
Item |
| 1 |
Bunch |
Asian
Greens |
| 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,
and carrots, at least two leafy greens such as chard and spinach,
and fruit.
How
much does it cost?
$55.00
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 start in November
|
Yearly Qty
|
NOV
|
DEC
|
JAN
|
FEB
|
MAR
|
APR
|
MAY
|
JUN
|
| Asian Greens |
 |
15 Bun
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Beets |
 |
28 Bun.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broccoli
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cabbage - green
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cabbage - red
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrots
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cauliflower
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chard*
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cucumbers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fava Beans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fennel
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Garlic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Green Beans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kale*
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kohlrabi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leeks
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lettuce
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Onions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potatoes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Radishes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spinach
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Squash-summer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Squash-winter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tomatoes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turnips
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arugula
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minzuna
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mustard
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Designate if seeds are from farm
|
CERT. |
Yearly Qty
|
NOV
|
DEC
|
JAN
|
FEB
|
MAR
|
APR
|
MAY
|
JUN
|
|
Almonds
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bananas-Dried
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Figs-Dried
|
O
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ginger-Fresh
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lemons
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Oranges-Blood |
D
|
15 Lbs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Oranges-Navel |
D
|
25 lbs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Papayas-Dried
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Persimmons-Dried
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Persimmons-Fresh
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raisins
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tangerines
|
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tomatoes-Dried
|
D
|
01 Lb.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Walnuts- In-Shell |
D
|
5 Lbs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
D - Demeter certified, O - Organic certified
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