CSA begins THIS week! :)

Hi y'all!

As usual, we have a few pictures to share from market. But before I do that, I'd also like to do something a little different and request CSA members, blog readers, and market customers submit a little something about themselves to be shared on the blog next week (or among the CSA members via e-mail if you'd prefer not to be on the blog). Of course, the first word in CSA is COMMUNITY and we'd like to do what we can to foster a community among other farmers, among CSA members, and among any others interested in what CSA and small family farm models are all about. Some of you already know each other. But a larger number of you don't. While you are likely to meet each other at CSA pick-ups, we would also like to offer an opportunity for everyone to know at least a little bit about each other. So, Ben and I thought it would be cool to have people (members, especially) submit a picture or two of yourselves (and families) and include a little snippit of information about yourselves. You can share whatever you feel comfortable sharing. A few things you could talk about include: where you're from, how long you've lived in the area, what brought you to the area, why you're interested in CSA sustainable farming practices, how you came to learn about it, and something interesting about yourself. This "something interesting about yourself" thing is something I've done in the classes I teach. I've had students share a number of things about themselves, for example, one student who is a swimmer, shared with the class that he has webbed toes. Other students tell the class about instruments or sports they play, languages they speak, places they've traveled, etc. If you're interested in participating in this sharing exercise, please submit your photo(s) and description to parker.patricia@gmail.com with the subject line reading "CSA sharing" and I will be sure to save your information to be posted. Please also include whether you would prefer your information be shared only among CSA members via e-mail or whether you're fine with your information being posted on the blog. Also, if you have any other suggestions for sharing information, including recipes, film screenings, cooking classes, etc., please let us know. Ben and I are so very excited to finally get the CSA rolling. As Ben stated in his e-mail earlier this week, the initial shares will begin a little small. However, we will make up for the small shares as the season continues and the harvests become more bountiful. Please feel free to e-mail or call us if you have any concerns or questions regarding your share size or content. Of course, we also welcome positive feedback ;).

Okay. Now it's picture time! Yesterday marked our one month anniversary setting up at the Western Wake Farmer's Market. It's been a real pleasure getting to know all of you. We are already learning about your families and about your lives. It has been a real pleasure talking with folks about vegetables, farming, gardening, recipe ideas, and well, life :). Thank you!

Our first week offering strawberries. Try just one, and you'll be hooked :).

 

We learned at our second time at market that it is illegal to use the word "organic" unless you are officially organic certified. That means you can't even say that you're produce is "non-certified organic" or even "not organic". The farmer and the market can be fined. It's understandable but also a bummer. We hope to be transparent enough that this certification (and pricey) business won't be necessary. This was our way of getting the message across that we do engage in organic practices without using the word. We're thinking about saying our produce is "sustainably grown" next week. What do y'all think?

Below: kale, turnip greens, Swiss chard, chiogga beets and greens, and scrumptious lettuce.

Strawberries (!!!), scarlet turnips, radishes, mezuna, mesclun, spinach and frisee'

Ben at the stand

and me at the stand...

Well, that's it for now. I hope y'all are having a beautiful and enjoyable Sunday afternoon. We look forward to hearing from you. I will not be accompanying Ben for the first two CSA pick-ups, as classes and then finals will be taking up the majority of my time. See you in May! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Best wishes,

Patricia & Ben