What is Stone’s Throw CSA?
Stone’s Throw CSA is dedicated to supporting sustainable local food systems in the Blackstone Valley of Massachusetts. For 2009 we are working with four farms to grow produce for our CSA program, Silvermine Farm in Sutton, Hidden Hill Farm in Oxford, Sweet Birch Farm in Douglas and The Stockwell Farm in Sutton. All of our farmers are committed to growing fruits, vegetables and herbs using organic and ecologically-sustainable methods, without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, working in harmony with nature to control pests and diseases. Our farmers often focus on planting heirloom and open pollinated varieties of vegetables that encourage plant genetic diversity, have natural resistance to pests and diseases and have been selected over generations to taste great.
What is Community Supported Agriculture?
CSA is an agreement between farmers and consumers in which members buy a share of the farmers’ harvest at the beginning of the season. This benefits farmers by giving them a guaranteed market, allowing them to concentrate on growing high quality produce rather than on marketing. In turn, CSA members receive a variety of freshly-harvested vegetables and herbs once a week throughout the harvest season. CSA members share in the risks and rewards of farming. What members receive each week depends upon growing conditions and varies by season. CSA encourages personal relationships between local farmers and consumers and encourages a sense of social responsibility and stewardship of the land. The CSA model often gives farmers the best chance to earn a living wage for their work.
What’s in this CSA for me?
Sustainably and organically-grown produce has been shown to be higher in nutrition than produce grown with conventional methods. The US food industry emphasizes crops that are high-yielding and ship well over long distances, while taste and nutrition take a back seat. In contrast, since we are close to your home, our CSA can place flavor and nutrition first, as the need for shipping is eliminated. And as your neighbors, you can be assured that we share your concern for a healthy local environment. Come join us and enjoy the taste and health benefits of local food.
