This is the note I have been stuffing in my neighbors mailboxes:
Eat what your farmers grow.
Hi. This is Brandon Pugh and I am writing this letter to inform you about what I am up to and how I would like you to be a part of it. You may or may not know I have started a small vegetable and cut flower operation out in Proctor on my family’s land. My farm is called Delta Sol Farm and this year will be my second season of growing. I am not certified organic, but follow all the rules of an organic farmer in relation to my soil, seed selection, and harvesting techniques. I am not using any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Last year I sold at the Memphis Farmer’s Market downtown and was also out at the Crawfordsville Market. This year I am planning on increasing my production and want to include a CSA. That’s where you come in.
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Many small vegetable growers like myself have CSA’s as a way of bringing their products directly to consumers. By bypassing the supermarket, the middlemen, and the international transportation system, folks are getting fresh local produce in season, at reasonable prices.
The plan is to offer a weekly share of vegetables grown on my farm to be picked up once a week at Jim and Shelley Pugh’s garage. This is right next to their house at 1490 Fairway in West Memphis. As the season changes so will the vegetables. Anywhere from 6 to 12 different varieties may be in your share at anytime depending on the season and what can be grown here at that time. The 2010 CSA will run from May 19th to October 27th, giving us a 24 week window of fresh vegetables. The share will be predetermined meaning that when you arrive there will be a list of what and how much to take that week. There will also be a trade table where you can place items you aren’t too wild about but someone else would love.
This first year I am starting out small, with only 20 shares available. In the coming years I hope to grow this project to include many more members. The cost will be 550 dollars due in two installments of 275 dollars. The first installment holds your place, the second is due by the first week of July. Paying it all up front is also a great option. The pick up time will be from 11 to 1 on Wednesdays. In order to maintain freshness we want the pick ups to happen as soon as possible, however, we understand that for some of you this might be a challenge, so we can work out those details. I just don’t like the idea of lettuce sitting out all day. It’s good to remember that the shares will fluctuate in size depending on the season and what’s available. We are shooting to have the shares be worth around 23 dollars a week. Also, when you need to miss a day have a friend or family member pick up your share. It’s a great way to spread the word.
Being a member of a CSA is a good idea, but may not be for everyone. With lots of vegetables comes lots of cooking. These shares are for an average family of four, depending on how much you cook and eat. Many folks divide their shares with neighbors, family members, or coworkers. Also, throughout the year we will be going through over 20 different types of vegetables. You have to be open to what the week brings you. Although we will be providing weekly recipes, some experience in the kitchen will be of benefit. And... you will probably be eating a lot of squash. But thats good!
Along with the vegetable share there will also be a flower share. I do a lot of business at the farmers market selling bouquets and grow a nice variety. The flower shares will cost 200 dollars for the full 24 week season. 100 dollars will reserve your flower share, and the other 100 dollars will be due the first week of July, just like the vegetable share. At times I may also have extra vegetables and flowers available to purchase at the pick up. Or, if you know you would like to make any special orders, call a day ahead of time to set something up.
Most importantly we are looking for folks who will be committed throughout the entire season. I will do my best to keep up my end of the bargain. We eat food everyday, yet most of us really don’t know where it comes from, how it was grown, or how the folks working on those farms were treated. Eating fresh and local is starting to become a reality here in the mid-south, and by joining the CSA you will be directly involved with and supporting the movement. Thanks.
WHAT NEXT?
Call me and reserve a spot. 901-288-8478
Put a check in the mail! Tell me if it’s for vegetables, flowers, or both.
P.O.BOX 37, PROCTOR, AR 72376 to DELTA SOL FARM
Contact me with any questions. 901-288-8478 or deltasolfarm@gmail.com
Visit me at the farmers market and tell somebody about this.
