 Planning 2013!
I had a great time getting to talk with so many of you over the 2012 season. I want to make this the best CSA experience and will be sending out a survey for feedback as to how the season went for you.
To make 2013 a successful year we need to know how many are committed to the coming 2013 season, last year we had planning difficulties due to late applications. For growers the season starts with planning in January so in order to plan efficiently we need an accurate membership count at the beginning of the year.
For a refresher on how CSA works click here.
We depend on maintaining a certain level of membership to remain viable. If you want to be a member please send over your form by the end of January. There is a membership form link below.
Your *deposit will insure your share for the season and help us plan accordingly. It's what makes the CSA experience work for everyone.
We also encourage suggestions for new items to grow.
The share donation we have pledged to the Spring Hill Farm Trust. Currently we donate a portion of your share cost to the trust. Read about Miss Church's wish for her farm here.
 
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 *Deposit match special!
As a thank you in helping us plan for 2013 when you send in a 2013 share deposit (minimum $10 and maximum $50) we will match it in a discount off your 2013 membership. This offer is valid until 1/31/2013.
example send $25 and we'll discount your share $25 so on a half share the balance due would be $285. ($335-$50=$285)
We plan on opening for summer shares from May through September. The vision for the 2013 season includes our certified organic heirloom, classic and out of the ordinary varieties of vegetables and small fruit. Pick your own herbs and flowers are a favorite with children. Patrick from Field to Fork will be back with certified organic eggs. We also have tentative plans in place to offer extra items for sale including certified organic chicken, pork and beef from Luke Mahoney of Brookford Farm in Canterbury, more to come on that in the coming months. Ideas in the planning stages: In addition to an evening pick up we are looking at offering one morning a week as a pick up at the farm. Investigating a pick up location at the Manchester farmers market. |
Kudos to The Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)!
AAP is the newest and a most critical organization to take a stance against pesticides, recommending that parents reduce pesticides that children are exposed to at home. Although its undisputed that high dose exposure to pesticides is toxic, there is a stream of evidence that 'exposes' that even low dos e pesticides over time can be harmful. It's particularly disturbing evidence that the initial contact of pesticides is now found to be in the womb where the fetal brain is in critical stages of development. Children then continue to be exposed to pesticides everyday in the air they breath, the soil they play in and sadly the food that they ingest. Studies link prenatal exposure to serious outcomes such as increased risk of brain cancer and leukemia. Evidence reveals that fetus' exposed to pesticides named organophosphates which are commonly used in US agriculture result in lower IQ scores and abnormal behaviors associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. I applaud the AAP in their efforts to educate families on reducing pesticide exposure in the home, in their gardens, and lawn products. With the AAP's backing, it can help unify our message to the families we care for and ultimately the message should in turn reach the marketplace; that unified voice that applying neurotoxins to our soil and food which ultimately builds up in our bodies is unacceptable. Our future generations deserve a milieu that does not compromise their future health and development at a most critical time.
Happy and Healthy New Year!
Fran Van Geyte RD, CSP, LD |
