Community Shared Agriculture began in the early 1960s as a response to food safety issues and the urbanization of agricultural land. Conscientious consumers who were looking for more healthy and ecologically produced food engaged small farm operations in a mutually supportive relationship that served to benefit the consumer, grower and the environment. The resulting Community Shared Agriculture programs produced nutritious food, farm–fresh with fair and guaranteed profit margins for local growers.
How It Works
To participate in the Community Shared Agriculture program, members purchase a share of the annual harvest. As a shareholder or member you receive a portion of our harvest — disbursed weekly throughout the 20 week harvest season which spans mid June to late October⁄early November. Shares in our program are purchased annually in advance of the growing season with members and growers assuming the same risks and opportunities of harvest.
Crops grown on our organic farm vary from year-to-year depending on the growing climate. Typical spring vegetables include lettuce, Asian greens, radishes, garlic scapes, spinach and broccoli. Mid-season produce includes summer squash, tomatoes, beans and carrots. The late summer, early fall harvest includes apples from our orchards, peppers, melons and root crops such as potatoes, rutabaga and onions.
Just over 150 regular CSA shares are sold annually. Members may purchase regular shares or a small share. One regular share provides a generous weekly supply of produce for a small family or couple. A small share provides just over half of the vegetables of a regular share.
After a successful trial run of “Winter Shares” we’ve decided to offer 60 winter shares — prepaid October 1 each year. Winter shares consist of storage crops with two bulk pick-ups offered at the farm store on the 2nd Tuesday of December and January.
Members pick-up their produce on either Tuesday or Friday of each week. Produce pick–up is facilitated at the Ignatius Farm store which is located at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, Highway 6 north, in Guelph. For driving directions, please see the Ignatius Jesuit Centre Sacred Land section.
For an additional fee, you may request prepackaging of your weekly food share. Prepackaged share portions allow you to simply pick-up a pre–boxed supply of produce. Otherwise, as a member you select and package your produce, as outlined below.
On your pickup day, simply come to the farm store with a supply of containers. The week’s produce will be laid out in crates along a table. A whiteboard on the wall indicates what you can take for your week’s share. Much of it is by weight so scales are provided. The Ignatius Farm store also sells seasonal foods such as apple products (cider and apple syrup) and honey. In addition to picking up your produce, you may also be able to pick-your-own herbs, flowers, and certain easily harvested crops.
