Warwick farmers offer local produce directly to eaters

Warwick, N.y, — Sustainable Warwick wants to get the word out about the four Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in Warwick. Over the last 20 years, CSAs have become a popular way to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Typically the share consists of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (a.k.a. a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. Here are some of the advantages for you: Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking Get to visit the farm as a “partner” Kids like the connection to the farm, and may even eat the veggies! Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown Below is information about four CSAs available to people in Warwick: Hathorn Farm Jamie Manza, Ermin Siljkovic 21 Hathorn Road, Warwick HathornCSA@gmail.com 845 239-2174 mobile 845 986-9729 office www.hathornfarm.blogspot.com (ready May 25) Cost: $600 family share (upfront by June 1) $400 individual share (upfront by June 1) $750 family (three installments) $500 individual (three installments) Limited shares are available Pick-up: On the farm every Saturday (delivery for those who cannot or do not drive) from June 27 to Nov. 7 Comments: “Includes seasonal staple crops (spinach, lettuces, root crops, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins) from heirloom and organic variety seeds saved in the Hudson Valley and northeast bioregion. We are not certified organic, but will be tending the land responsibly without the use of chemical fertilizers or chemical pesticides. We will minimize the use of heavy machinery. Our plot is former pasture that has not been sprayed in generations, if ever! The CSA is part of a bigger project to curate educational resources that address the ecological, social and economic sustainability of agriculture and communities. We strive to aid local activism with on-site Permaculture Design Certification courses, workshops, and media events (weekly film night and book discussion series).” W Rogowski Farm CSA Cheryl Rogowski 327-329 Glenwood Road, Pine Island 845-258-4574 cheryl@rogowskifarm.com www.rogowskifarm.com Cost: Half share $400 Full share $800 A half share feeds a family of about 2 to 4 people. Pick-up: Shares may be picked up at the Warwick Valley Farmers Market on Sunday, at the farm on Thursday evening, Saturday or Sunday mornings. The season starts in mid-June and goes until Thanksgiving. Comments: “We offer numerous varieties of vegetables - summer and winter squashes, tomatoes, lettuces, cabbage, potatoes, onions, sweet corn, peppers, cucumbers, beets, carrots, turnips, celery, Asian vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, eggplants, melons, ground cherries, tomatillos, herbs and more varieties than we can list here. A cut your own herb and flower garden is available at the farm and included in your share. Located in the magnificent black dirt region of Warwick our farm is the first to be Certified Naturally Grown (CNG). CNG is an alternative certification program to organic which requires us to follow the same practices as a certified organic producer. Members of our farm are entitled to free and discounted admission to cooking classes, workshops and seminars and are also offered exclusive events such as pesto making day and pot lucks. Recipes, newsletters and tote bags are all provided as part of our membership. We are entering our 11 season of CSA farming. The nationally award winning W Rogowski Farm is home to Cheryl Rogowski, the first farmer to receive a MacArthur “Genius” award. Senior Share of the Harvest Sponsored by The W Rogowski Farm Cheryl Rogowski 327-329 Glenwood Road, Pine Island 845-258-4574 cheryl@rogowskifarm.com www.rogowskifarm.com Comments: “This is a special CSA program begun in 2001 and offered to the Senior Citizen population and for those who need a helping hand. The payment plan is based on a sliding scale where participants pay on ability. Participants have access to the same produce and benefits as other members of the farm. Contributions are gratefully accepted to help offset the operating expenses of this special community program. For general details of this program please refer to the W Rogowski Farm CSA listing or contact us directly.” Midsummer Farm CSA Barbara and Mark Laino 156 East Ridge Road, Warwick 845-986-9699 CSA@midsummerfarm.com www.midsummerfarm.com Cost: $625 for 16 weeks $125 for Summer Egg Share Pick-up: At the farm at 156 East Ridge Road between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. from beginning of June to the end of September (16 weeks) Comments: “We are a small Certified Organic and Certified Animal Welfare Approved farm in Warwick. We do a very diverse assortment of heirloom vegetables, greens, lettuces, herbs, etc. We also practice biodynamic agricultural practices. We do a variety of workshops on sustainable agriculture, gardening, holistic health and cooking, poultry rearing, native pollinators, etc. Our CSA has a small membership, so spots need to be reserved early in the year. We also offer an Herb share and Cut Flower share. Detailed info and reservation form can be found on our Web site www.midsummerfarm.com/CSApage.htm.”