Should you choose organic or local?  Which farmer should "win"?  Our philosophy is that we should support all our small farms but to say it's an either or proposition is to place two crucial factors affecting our food supply at odds with each other rather than working together.   It is ultimately  a false choice.  Each system brings a host of independent  benefits which are equally important but different. Although we pledge to provide organic produce, we value what they both bring to our tables; food, wholesome food, from smaller independent farms is what matters  most to  us.  When you walk into a supermarket, for example, 90% of the garlic that is sold is from China; the ingredients to make one processed taco  travel  up to~64,000 miles or 2 1/2 times the circumference of the earth.   The costs to the environment from excess shipping should not be measured against the health and environmental consequences of spraying produce with multiple pesticides including for example bell peppers which has been shown to have been sprayed with over 40 chemicals to grow them.  As many CSAs do, we have and will continue to work with and support  small  farms in and around NH who believe in sustainable food systems and grow vegetables that are not only picked at their peak of ripeness  but also value diversity of food and a decreased dependence on non-renewable energy.  

In summary, this is what we represent and what our membership can expect from NHCSA

1. We, support our farmers first.  Although our vegetables are organically grown we value all farmers and the economic strength they provide by supporting other small businesses through their purchases of greenhouses, farm equipment, or employment opportunities. This in turn strengthens our community.   We are trying to hold on to what makes us an independent nation and yet we depend on most of our food from elsewhere.  Without our farmers, our country is at the mercy of outside sources for something as basic as the food we eat.  We believe farmers are critical to the future prosperity, security and strength of our nation.

2.  Food grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.  Food harvested and ripened fully at the vine for their peak flavor, freshness and nutrient value.

3.  We do not believe in cheap food.  Although this cheap food attitude sadly prevails today, farmers should not work for free.  Most farmers would consider themselves part-time; we understand that this is not by choice but by for their own financial survival.  In NH alone, during the 1970s, there were ~1000 or more dairy farmers and in just the past few years, we've lost another 30 or so bringing the total down to ~120 farms.  Cheap food is costing us with regards to our self-reliance, our environment and ultimately to the cost of our own health and our health care system.

4.  A steadfast commitment to you, your health and our environment...

Local VS Organic...  We hope after reading this and supporting our membership, you support farmers.    Thank you and thank a farmer...