Organic Farms Expand Locally

WOODBURY — Community supported agriculture (CSA) is an innovative way to connect farmers and consumers in a mutually beneficial relationship sharing the risks and rewards of the growing season. The consumer buys a share of the farm’s harvest in advance, guaranteeing a market for the farmer’s produce. There are at least 17 of these CSA farms in Connecticut including the Clark Farm in Woodbury.

For most CSAs, a share consists of an assortment of seasonal, farm-fresh vegetables, herbs, and sometimes flowers each week during the harvest season, typically June into October. Connecticut also has one CSA which supplies Jersey milk and another which provides produce in the winter.

Connecticut’s CSAs range in size from those with just a few members, to the largest, Holcomb Farm in West Granby. This CSA has 200 household shares and 15 organizational shares. Holcomb Farm is operated by the Hartford Food System.

All of the CSAs use organic methods in order to care for the Earth and provide wholesome foods for their members. Most of the CSA farms are Certified Organic by Connecticut’s Northeast Organic Farming Association (CT NOFA). On a few farms, the close relationship between farmer and consumers substitutes for the confidence provided by organic certification.

Although CSAs typically sign up members in late winter and spring, some may still have shares available later in the season.

CSAs have grown rapidly in number since the concept was first introduced in the United States at a Massachusetts farm in 1986. These innovative farms help meet the growing consumer demand for fresh, organically grown produce and for a closer relationship with those who grow their food. They meet the farmers’ need for reliable markets for their produce.

The Clark Farm is operated by John Clark at 1037 Main Street North in Woodbury. It offers 80 shares and may expand to 160. For more information email Clarkfrm@wtco.net, check the Web site at www.clark-farm-csa.com, or call 263-5801. The farm has on-farm pickup and satellites in Danbury and Newtown from June through mid-December. It is NOFA certified.