Community Supported Agriculture

Jun 9, 2011

Community Supported Agriculture or CSAs are a partnership between farmers and consumers. Consumers buy shares in the farms production and receive weekly boxes of products which are ready for market.

This partnership provides consumers with super-fresh, in season produce at very reasonable prices. It is an easy way for consumers to improve nutrition and health. Farmers receive a bit of predictability in their largely unpredictable ventures. This predictability greatly helps them sustain their businesses.

In addition to being positive for consumers and farmers alike, CSAs are beneficial to our local economy. All positive attributes work together to strengthen our local food system.

Below you will see the four CSAs operating in Venture County, our office is currently aware of -- listed in alphabetical order. Please take some time to learn about them and consider becoming a member. These partnerships are a winning situation for all of us.

Join the Farm! is a faith-based organization rooted in the belief that everyone should have access to healthy food. In addition to weekly (or bi-weekly) boxes of produce Join the Farm! offers recipes, volunteer opportunities, and welcomes people to come connect with their farm and farmers.  Food grown at Join the Farm! is certified organic.

McGrath Family Farm has a goal to grow as many things as possible in a season. This goal is not only beneficial to customers but also to their sustainable growing methods. The McGrath Family has been farming in the community for five generations. All McGrath Family Farm produce is organically and sustainably grown.

Rio Gozo Farm grows food year round for their members. They provide recipes, potluck parties at the farm, and volunteer opportunities. This CSA farm is operated in the Ojai Valley. All their produce is organically grown.

Underwood Family Farms operates year round. Members are eligible for private farm tours, free and reduced admission to farm events, and recipes. They offer two sized boxes for members to choose from. Underwood Family Farms has locations in Somis and Moorpark.

If you know of other CSAs operating in Ventura County, please contact our office so we can include them in a future post!

 

Supporting local farmers helps to strengthen local food systems and the local economy.
Supporting local farmers helps to strengthen local food systems and the local economy.