L.L.C.
Freedom Farms
Half Share
Family Share
Large Family Share
Business Share
Extended Share
Community Supported Agriculture (C.S.A) is an alternative, locally-based socio-economic model of agriculture and food distribution. C.S.A Members pay just before growing season for a share of the harvest; once harvesting begins they receive weekly shares of vegetables/fruit and may also include herbs, cut flowers, honey & eggs. This allows for a trusting relationship between farmer & share holder that benefits both but most importantly gives the consumer piece of mind in knowing how their food is produced.
Community supported agriculture began in the early 1960's in Germany, Switzerland and Austria as a response to concerns about food safety and the urbanization of agricultural land. In the 1980’s groups of consumers and farmers in the U.S. began to form community partnerships in which both could benefit cooperatively.
Organic foods are increasingly popular thanks to more and more people living healthier lifestyles. The reasoning behind this is purely common sense which tells us that foods without chemicals, hormones and preservatives are better for our bodies. Secondly, there have been so many food recalls lately that it's become risky to trust the safety of foods that are produced & packaged in countries like Mexico or China. This is why we urge you to support local suppliers of organic goods and always remember: "Know your farmer, know your food!"
C.S.A. Frequently Asked Questions
What do I get with a C.S.A. share and how does it work?
With a membership payment you will purchase a "share" of our farms seasonal harvest. You will receive a weekly or bi-weekly package of produce throughout the season.
What kinds of produce will I receive and how much?
It depends on the package you choose but the smallest share gives you an average of 15 lbs every other week. Each share will receive a mixture of whatever produce is ripe and in season at the time.
(click to see our 2014 Planting List)
How long does my share last?
A share gives you 16-18 weeks of produce starting June 1st.
Is there a chance that I may not get the produce I want?
When joining a C.S.A. there is a shared risk between the farmer and the C.S.A. Member. We will always try to accommodate reasonable requests from our members and provide you with a bountiful and diverse package of produce, however we rely solely on Mother Nature and we cannot guarantee what she will do? The weather isn't likely to cheat you out of all your produce however, even with last years drought we still had plenty of produce to the point we filled our entire fruit cellar with canned goods!
What methods are used to grow your food?
We ONLY use sustainable and natural methods to produce anything on our farm. We NEVER use pesticides & herbicides and refuse to use ANY genetically modified seeds*. We use a natural compost base (cellulose material - leaves, grass clippings) to enrich our soil and then use ground cover (straw or wood mulch) in order to retain moisture and control weeds. We also have water-collection tanks located around our farm so we never have to worry about not getting enough rain.
What other advantages are there to being a C.S.A. Member?
• 10% off all other products
• Extra produce throughout the season
• Canning produce by request (we will not include it unless you request it)
• Free Pumpkins, Watermelon & Black Walnuts
How do I receive my share?
You can pick it up at our farm in Belle Plaine, our home on the SW side of Cedar Rapids or we can deliver if you live in Cedar Rapids.
How do I purchase my C.S.A. Membership?
You can purchase a membership through PayPal (Just click the "Buy Now" buttons at the top of the page) or we can send an invoice to your email. At this time, discounts can only be given through invoicing. We also accept cash, however ALL membership fees MUST be paid before May 1st!
C.S.A. Pricing
Family Share: 1-15 lbs. weekly share - $530
Half Share: 1-15 lbs. BI-weekly share - $275
Large Family Share: 1-30 lbs. weekly share - $675
Corporate/Business Share: 35+ lbs. weekly share - $975
Extended Share: additional 3-4 weeks of produce at the end of the season - $95
(All shares are 16-18 weeks beginning approximately the 1st week of June - WEATHER PERMITTING)
*We PROUDLY plant seeds from SeedsNow.Com that are 100% NON-hybrid and NON-GMO.
Click HERE to learn more...