2012 list of Washington area CSAs

In the 10 years since we began to compile our list of community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs in the Washington area, the number of participating farms has skyrocketed from around a dozen to nearly 80. That’s not surprising, given how the term “locavore” has gone from a made-up word to a way of life for some people.

In a CSA, members pay a set fee up front to help producers cover the costs of running the farm. Customers then receive a “share” of the bounty for a predetermined season, which vary in length depending on the program. Most shares consist of fruit and vegetables. Others include items such as honey, bread or flowers as part of the price or for an additional fee; some offer separate meat, dairy and egg shares.

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On most farms, a full share is enough produce to feed a family of four for one week. Half-shares and mini-shares are also available.

These farms still had shares for sale as of the beginning of February. Many sell out, so if you’re interested, be sure to sign up early.

MARYLAND

5 a Day CSA

Silver Spring

Vicki Reese, 301-595-0379

info@5adaycsa.com

www.5adaycsa.com

Spring/summer share $695 (fruit and vegetables only) or $1,595 (with premium items such as eggs, flowers, soaps and bread), 16 weeks; flexible option, pay $50 membership fee then choose a weekly box for $25-$40, depending on the size chosen; fall share $495 or $1,095 (with premium items), 13 weeks.

Order flexible option weekly online; customize boxes with seven to nine chosen items of produce; primarily organic.

Delivery to Silver Spring, Takoma Park, College Park, Columbia, Mount Rainier Farmers Market and the Discovery Channel headquarters.

AvianMead Produce

Brookeville

Jerry and Joan Riser, 301-924-2960

jjriser@msn.com

www.localharvest.org/farms/M14801

$500 (includes delivery), 12 weeks (depending on the growing season, a four-week $175 fall share will be available); organic producer.

Delivery made to homes in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Olney and parts of Potomac.

Backbone Food Farm

Oakland

Katharine Dubansky, 301-334-5633

Katharine@backbonefarm.com

www.backbonefarm.com

$350 full share, $560 family share, 20 weeks.

Pickup in Frostburg, Md.; Thomas, W.Va.; and at the farm.

Big White Barn CSA

Buckeystown

Steve or Anita Goertemiller, 301-874-3173

anitagmiller@comcast.net

www.bigwhitebarn.com

$550 weekly full share, $325 weekly half-share, $275 bi-weekly full share, 22 weeks.

Pickup in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Crystal City, the District, Gaithersburg, Baltimore and at the farm. Home and business delivery available.

Blades Orchard

Federalsburg

Lynda Blades, 410-754-8857

bladesorchard@bladesorchard.com

www.bladesorchard.com

$500 full share, $250 half-share, 18 weeks; fruit shares ($300, 12 weeks) available.

Pickup in Annapolis, Denton, Easton, Cambridge, Federalsburg, Salisbury and St. Michaels.

Brad’s Produce

Churchville

Brad Milton, 410-734-4769

brad@bradsproduce.com

www.bradsproduce.com

$495 full share, $315 half-share, $290 bi-weekly half share, 25 weeks; $100 early spring share, 4 weeks; $200 summer share, 8 weeks.