It's Sign-Up Time for CSA Deliveries, Fresh From Area Farms

It's the dead of winter. Farm fields in the region sit fallow. But it's peak recruitment season for community-supported agriculture programs.

Under the CSA concept, patrons pay an annual membership fee in advance to cover farm production costs. The farmer provides a share of the harvest: a weekly box of seasonal produce for a set number of weeks. On most farms, a full share consists of enough vegetables to feed a family of four (two adults, two children) or two vegetarians for one week. For smaller households, half-shares are sometimes available.

There are variables. Crops and prices vary from farm to farm. Most farmers provide organic produce or use organic farming methods. Vegetables are picked up at the farm or at a delivery site. More farms this year make home deliveries. For a second year, the CSA sponsored by Mission Three will deliver fresh, local fruit to area university dormitories for student residents.

There is no time to wait. More farmers than ever are participating this year, but shares sell out fast.

At press time, these farms still had shares for sale. If not otherwise noted, the share is made up solely of seasonal vegetables and fruits. (Some may include, for example, eggs or flowers.) Note that some will deliver over a wide area beyond their home location.

For more information about CSA programs: http://www.localharvest.com.

DISTRICT

Mission Three

Arthur Woods, 530-260-1502

http://www.missionthree.com

$11.99 per week. Deliveries to campus dormitories for students only. Program runs for seven weeks. (Not accepting orders until the end of February.)

MARYLAND

Calvert Farm

Rising Sun