We at HappyDirt Veggie Patch are excited to announce a new CSA and Farm Bucks program, which is a collaborative effort of four local farms and many value-added producers. We had previously decided not to do a CSA box program of our own this season, for various logistical reasons– but now we are joining with Village Farm, Meadowlark Farm, and Four Winds Farm to offer both a weekly box program and Farm Bucks that will be redeemable at any of the member farms.
We are still working out the final details, but here is the basic deal:
Weekly Box: Each of the farms will provide some of the veggies for the weekly box, each Friday afternoon. There will be a number of value-added options from other local producers also available, such as meat, eggs, mushrooms, dairy, fruit, flowers, etc. There will also be the option of home delivery.
The season will start June 4 and go for 20 weeks until Oct. 15. There will be a singles box for $18/week ($360/season) and a family size box for $28/week ($560/season). Home delivery will be available for $5 per week ($100/season).
There will be central pickup points established for customer convenience. We are serving the Ashland/Talent area.
Farm Bucks: We will print bundles of farm bucks that can be purchased at a discount before the season, and spent at any of the member farm locations or their stands at the Rogue Valley Growers Markets, throughout the main season (May-November).
Farm Bucks will be issued in packs of $50. You can buy as many packs as you think you will need for the season (you can also trade them with others as a local currency instead of cash). If they are purchased by Feb. 28, there is a 15% discount ($50 redeemable value for $42.50). If they are purchased in March thru April, there is a 10% discount ($45). After that, there is a 5% discount ($47.50).
There are several other farms involved with this project, that will contribute to the CSA boxes some of the weeks, such as Abundance Garden Co-op, Neighborhood Harvest, White Sage Gardens, and Sean Gordon. The value-added producers include Rogue Valley Brambles, Mycoverse, Andy’s Organics, Our Local Bounty, Pickled Planet and One Leaf Microgreens.
Quite a list! And there will be more, no doubt.
Our official launch is:
Saturday, January 23, 9am – 1pm, at The CommUnity Breakfast Meal and Market at The Bellview Grange, located at 1050 Tolman Creek Rd., Ashland Details Here
We’ll have a table at the brunch with sign-up forms and more information. You can also contact me (Matt) directly to sign up. The Farm Bucks have not yet been printed, but we can take orders.
This is a whole new adventure for all of us. We feel that working together will offer much more value and convenience for our customers than each of us running our own CSA programs. The 15% discount for early Farm Bucks purchase is very significant. I’m sure you’ve noticed how busy Ashland Food Co-op gets when the 5% coupons are about to expire.
The prepayments allow the farmers to manage their cash flow more effectively. Many of the expenses of a farm (seeds, amendments, labor) occur early in the season, when there is little or no income. Having working capital enables a more productive season to follow.
We are looking forward to a great 2010 season at HappyDirt! We plan to grow more veggies, extend the seasons, and improve the overall soil health and beauty of the farm. We will have an improved farmstand with longer hours (late afternoon drive home time) as well. We hope to see you frequently!
And many thanks for your patronage last season.
Matt
happydirtveggiepatch@gmail.com
(541) 499-4903
I am glad you will have the stand open later
last year i wanted to stop several times after work but the stand was always closed,my work schedule did not flow with the stand,,maybe this year………thankyou
katherine