"Fresh Harvest" Information 2012
We offer a new 'twist' on the traditional CSA model:
"Fresh Harvest" shares will be available on a very limited basis. Members of the Fresh Harvest program will have open access to the farm fields in order to harvest, wash and bag unlimited amounts of their choice of produce, at their convenience. Farm interns will be assigned to assist members with harvest tasks. Members will have the use of tools/knives, a sanitary washing shed with fresh potable water, as well as bags or boxes for packing. The farm fields will be open for harvesting every weekday from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. May 31 th through Oct. 5th. We are generally not here on weekends, but you may come to harvest on Saturdays and Sundays if you do not require assistance.
How much will this cost? Members pre-pay by the month for unlimited harvesting privileges. Need salad mix and tomatoes on Monday, and green beans and onions on Thursday? Come on up to the farm both days to get what you need, when you need it. You can join for one or two months only or for all the summer months June -Sept. (see "Fresh Harvest Fee Schedule 2012")
Is this a CSA? Yes and no. It is a CSA program in the sense that members are choosing to support local agriculture through a pre-pay-for-produce plan. It differs from the traditional CSA model in that the produce is not chosen by the farmer, then packed and delivered to the members; rather the members come to the farm to choose, harvest and pack only the produce that they need and want at that time. Win-win for everyone! The farmers get grass-roots local support, and the consumers get the ultimate in fresh produce, when and how they want it!
I don't know anything about picking vegetables, how will I know what to do?
Our farm interns will be trained to assist the members and will help with the picking, washing and bagging. Farm interns will be assigned to Harvest Duty on a rotating basis; one or more will always be available in the field. Some crops may be pre-harvested and washed, ie. potatoes and salad mix. ( see "Fresh Harvest Crop Schedule")
Are the harvest amounts truly unlimited? Yes-- if you are harvesting the produce that your family will realistically eat in a week, then you may take what you need and want. Bulk amounts for canning or freezing, however, must be ordered separately. These orders will be filled by the farm staff and will be invoiced separately (includes bulk basil for pesto, tomatoes for canning or freezing, beans for freezing, etc.)
Questions? please call Lori or Ben at Silver Wheel Farm 734 735 4054. Please leave a message if we do not answer and we will reply as soon as we can. Or email Lori at tchfrch@hotmail.com
[If you prefer a more traditional CSA model, Silver Wheel Farm has joined with several other farms under the auspices of Northwest PA Growers Cooperative to create a 'multi-farm' CSA. NWPAGC CSA members receive weekly 'shares' of produce collected from several farms. Please see www.nwpagrowers.com for more information.]
