Greetings!
Freshness and flavor of the food, supporting a local farm and the knowledge that their children are eating more nutritious foods make many people love being part of our CSA. We realize it's not for everyone though, most CSA's lose 10-40% of their members every year. Some read about it and want to try it, something like a new years resolution. Others may find the necessary culinary creativity becomes a burden instead of a joy. I also surmise there are members finding they don't actually cook as much as they thought. For instance we've had members call 2 weeks into the program in a panic as to what to do with all the greens. Every week is the surprise of what will be available, some have found this a challenge to overcome but most after freeing themselves of the control they had at the market, delight in the surprise of trying items they never would have bought before. If we want the local CSA movement to grow and thrive, we find it is as important to pay attention to the rationale of people who decide not to re-join as it is to take in the praise of the core membership. So we listen,we continue to evolve towards a point that hopefully brings more of the mainstream supermarket shoppers in so they can discover the flavors of vine ripened produce. Here's a video on what to expect from a CSA Scroll down and click on COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE "What to Expect"
NHCSA has grown each year and this is promising to be the best year ever!
All year we listened to what members wanted and have been acquiring seeds all winter. There may be several feet of snow on the ground but it is time to think about warm red tomatoes and green crispy vegetables.
If you want to get in on the 2011 season, now is the time to register your membership. It is a first come first serve basis and is limited. We are holding the price level for 2011 $550 full shares and $300 half shares. For those of you that run later on Fridays, no need to rush any longer, we will be able to pack a share for you to pick up after hours.
We are taking reservations for 2011 with the first payment due now and the balance in April. get a sign up form via email here
Like to use facebook? Check us out and friend NHCSA. Post your recipes and comments too.
Loads of recipes on the website and they're easy too. If you have a favorite send it along to share.
Here is Gary's cell phone if you have questions 603 548 5550.
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It takes time for some to truly embrace the experience of a CSA. It sadens us when a member joins for a week or two and leaves without any explaination. We've learned from members that initally what seemed to be a lack of control over what they were eating turned into a wonderful anticipation of what this weeks bounty will bring. For new members it will certainly seem at first like a lack of control in what vegetables end up on your plate but we assure you that if you give it a chance the experience should evolve into a wonderful weekly anticipation of what surprises await to be discovered or incorporated into meals that week.
That is what  our long term members have told us anyway and that is what makes us work harder; We also have enjoyed the feedback that there is rarely a need to fret about running to the supermarket for something healthy as there is always a dependable selection of honest food waiting for them; the CSA is a commitment and it has and will continue to have ups and downs . The winter has been really cold and some produce has spoiled quickly simply by waiting outside a members doorstep. We would have lost a member had she not communicated that her lettuce had turned. We guarantee our produce but fruit and vegetables have a life of their own and high moisture food like strawberries also occasionally have a few casualties but again that is an easy fix. We are asking for your support by telling us why you join and what you do or do not like about what we are doing.
To us this venture goes well beyond your doorstep and ours. We want to support all farmers and this year we have joined with 2 other farmers in Chester NH who pledge to grow organically. This would not have been possible without our membership.
Thank you.
Organic Vegetable & Fruit Delivery:
We are currently delivering to homes and businesses in Manchester, Bedford, Hooksett, Auburn, Derry, Londonderry and Chester.
It's not too late to enjoy this service.
see the site here for more
Field to Fork free range certified organic eggs and Abigail's Breads are still available too.
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by Fran Van Geyte
Many people choose an organic based diet to reduce their exposure to toxic pesticides and to limit the pollution to our air water and soil. What many people may or may not realize is tha 
t there are economic benefits for farms to convert back to organic practices. Studies are supporting that organic farms yield larger numbers of crops than chemically sustained farms during droughts or floods. Organic farming creates jobs. Organic farms require 30 percent less fossil fuel than chemical farms. Organic farming improves the air we breathe. We still have a long way to go to make a difference; To keep moving in this direction, organic farmers need the support of its community. Organic agriculture receives less than 2% of the more than 2.5 billion federal dollars spent annually on conventional (non organic) food and agriculture research. Despite the relatively low backing of organic industry the organic sector is growing 4 to 5 times faster than conventional chemically grown food. That is a statement to what people want. Better health.
Food that is free of toxic chemicals. It doesn't seem like very much to ask for.
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