How the CSA works "CSA" stands for "Community Supported Agriculture". It's one business model that can be used for the distribution of agricultural goods. Wikipedia has an entry on CSAs that gets into the nitty-gritty, the history, etc., [ here ]. Sunroot Gardens is not the only CSA around these parts: The "Portland Area CSA Coalition" website lists many others [ here ]. In my own words, a CSA is when people provide material direct support to a farmer up front before the season starts -- in the form of money or other resources -- and in return get fresh produce on a regular basis for a set period of time. This arrangement provides the farmer with the means to start up -- seeds, tools, salary, etc. -- at the start of the season, when it's most needed. A CSA can also foster a personal connection with your food, more so than you can get at the store or even a farmers' market. In the case of Sunroot Gardens, your produce might be growing just a few blocks away. Now that's fresh! CSAs started in Japan, where they are called "teikei", which is commonly translated as "food with the farmer's face on it" Risk: Agriculture is a dicey proposition, in the literal sense of that word. It's always a gamble. Weather, insects, animals, accidents, acts-of-god, etc., are some of the factors that can influence the productivity of crops, in one way or another. No guarantees can be made of quantity, quality, or any other characteristic ahead of time. In a CSA agreement, the risk of the proposition is shared with the farmer by the investors. In Portugal, a CSA is called a "Reciproco". Sunroot Gardens attempts to mitigate risk in part by planting a great variety of crops. What's bad weather for one crop is great weather for another. Insects might favor one variety over another. Some vegetables will just prove sturdier than others for reasons unknown. The more types the better. Throw 'em out there and see which do best. This year. Because, of course, this year might prove to be no predictor of next! Record: I planted my first garden when I had six sun-years. That was over three decades ago. This will be my fourth market-gardening season locally. In the 2007 CSA I offered produce to 18 households for 27 weeks. This year I will be partnering with another urban CSA farmer with the intention of raising more crops on more land, including out on a country parcel. I can make references available upon request.   2008 Main Season Shares are currently available The Main Season Share will last 25 weeks, from April through October. The 2007 season presented over 100 varieties of vegetables, including multiple kinds of peas, beans, radishes, turnips, beets, carrots, summer squash, winter squash, onions, salad greens, hardy greens, taters, and more. Many of these varieties, as well as some new ones, are in the plans for 2008. During the Main Season, produce will be available for pick-up every week from a regular location in SE PDX. Prices for 2008, 25-week Main Season: Half Share (2 people): $20/week = $500 Full Share (3-4 people): $25/week = $625 Payment is due by Feb. 29, preferably in-full, though a payment plan can be arranged. I am open to barter and/or work-trade in some circumstances. Feel free to contact the farmer by phone or email if you are interested in a CSA share, or in providing gardening space, or if you'd just like to check things out sometime. If you live in SE PDX, there might be a garden near you!

Kollibri terre Sonnenblume, lead farmer
email: SunrootCSA (AT) riseup (DOT) net
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