Farm Fresh Produce - Naturally Grown - Stewardship of the Land
Updated March 22, 2008
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Experience the difference with Annie's Acres
Buying food at the supermarkets most often means being left in the dark about its origin or quality. As the supermarkets become larger, their suppliers increasingly become "mega farms" or large conglomerate agri-businesses. Large operations of this nature are not able to produce foods without "pushing" agriculture to its limits by chemical and artificial means. The end result is most often food of compromised quality and safety. There is also an unbelievable amount of waste through spoilage in transit and storage. Most supermarkets experience waste of up to 40% of the produce they get off the trucks.
There is a better way!
Community Supported Agriculture is an approach to farming that creates a unique teamwork between the consumer and the farmer. It is a relationship of mutual trust and support. The consumer agrees to help support the farm economically with the payment of an annual fee. The farmer agrees to provide the best possible quality products and deliver them conveniently to the customer.
By participating in a CSA, you can be confident about the quality and integrity of the food on your table. You will be working with us to support the local economy and a way of life that fosters stewardship of the land and respects God's creation. With a CSA. . . . . . everyone wins!
How does Annie's Acres CSA Work?
Our CSA is based on "shares". One share is the amount of product that a family of four would normally consume in one week. (about one grocery bag) If a family chooses the "one share" plan, they would receive that amount of produce every week starting the last week of May and continuing through the last week of October (24 weeks). You can chose one share or a half share. Members can choose how they want to receive a "half share". You can either get a full share box every other week, or half a box every week. CSA members fill out an application each spring that shows important information such as food alergies. This application is then used as a guide when their share boxes are filled. Items (in season) above and beyond the normal share can be ordered at any time for delivery with your share. In addition to produce, members could receive items such as; honey, eggs, flowers, granola, homemade hand soap, beeswax candles, and a variety of other items as they are available.
Share boxes are picked up at drop off points in various communities at a designated time each week. They can also be picked up at the farm or for a small fee can be delivered to your door.
A newsletter will be included in all share boxes that contains news and helpful information including food preparation ideas. It will also serve as a sounding board for CSA and Sustainable Farming related topics.
So what is a "Share Box"
The "Share Box" is a waxed cardboard box that measures 11" x 15" x 6". This is approximately 1/2 bushel. New for this year will be the use of coolers that can be left at the members house and will allow better icing of produce. There will be a plastic pouch on the box or cooler that will contain your weekly newsletter, a post card you can use to contact us, and a packing card that travels with the box. Boxes and coolers are reused but are retired when they are no longer serviceable.
Our Farming Practices!
Many terms are used to describe how food is produced. We follow Narually Grown practices here at Annie's Acres. We can't sell our produce as "organic" however as we have not gone through the lengthily and expensive certification process for our farm. We are not certain how important this actual certification is to you but are considering whether or not to head in that direction. Our "Spring Survey" has a question on it that addresses this topic. Certifying organic means more accountability but it does come with a price tag as well. We need to know if you are willing or wanting to pay more for "organic" produce. Some of our specific farming practices are:
When we sell you a "share" in what we are doing, we become accountable to you and want to be totally open about how we do business. Please let us know how we are doing and if our practices are on target.
What kind of produce can I expect to find in my "Share Box"?
Peas, Beans, Rutabagas, Beets, Okra, Brussels sprouts, Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, Carrots, Tomatoes, Egg plant, Onions, Peppers, Cauliflower, Herbs, Fresh Spices, Summer and Winter squash, Dill, Chives, Parsley, Pumpkins, Watermelon, Rhubarb, Potatoes, Sweet Corn, Kohlrabi, Cucumbers, Horseradish, Red and Green Cabbage, Broccoli, Asparagus, and other items as available.
Other food items you can get at a slight additional cost are, Honey, Honey straws, Granola, and Eggs. You can either call, email us, or use the order card in the plastic pouch on your returned share box to order these additional items. None food items such as flowers, gourds, Indian corn, beeswax candles and homemade hand soaps are ordered in the same manner. A more complete listing of produce and other items will be included on this web site and also in the printed newsletter as they become available. Honey items can be seen on the Ranum's 1887 Brand home page(click on link below).
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What is the cost to become a member?
We have tried to keep membership as simple but yet as flexible as possible. We also committed to bringing you the best value for this type of product. The following options are available for the 2008 year:
How do I become a member?
It's easy, just fill out a membership application form (click on link below to download pdf version of form) and mail it with a check(s) to us at the address below. You will then receive a membership packet that will tell you more about our CSA project. The packet will have survey form in it that will provide choices for you to customize your share box. It will also supply us with other needed information about you that will help us serve you better. All information we collect from you is kept absolutely private and is used only for the purposes of this CSA. Return the form to:
Annie's Acres
13040 Fort Defiance Rd.
Darlington, WI 53530
To download a pdf copy of an application form to become a member of Annie's Acres, click on the link below. You will need to have a copy of Acrobat Reader installed on you computer. You may also call or write for an application packet and we will mail it to you.
Please visit this sight occasionally as we will be updating it every week. (once a month during produce season)