Calypso - CSA

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Community Shared Agriculture (CSA)
What is CSA? Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) represents a simple, direct relationship between farmer and consumer. In a CSA, 'shareholders' pay an agreed upon price at the beginning of the season and receive a weekly supply of vegetables throughout the growing season. This marketing method benefits both the farmer and the local community because the farmer receives a pre-season payment providing financial stability when they need it most and the shareholder receives wonderfully fresh, locally grown produce each week without concerns of pesticides, preservatives, or unfair labor practices. There are currently over 600 CSAs in the United States. Each takes on the unique flavor of its own community.
	Calypso's CSA Calypso Farm and Ecology Center is situated on 30 acres, with nearly three acres in cultivation. Beginning in early June, we offer 16-20 weeks (weather permitting) of fresh, organically grown vegetables and herbs. We grow over 50 vegetable, herb, and flower crops, with many varieties of each. Calypso offered the following share options in 2009. Vegetable Share: $550 This share includes a full array of vegetables distributed weekly from early June through September. Shareholders will receive salad for much of the season and occasional herbs. Salad Share: $150 This share is for the salad lover! Salad Shareholders will receive one pound of salad greens mix weekly throughout the harvest season (does not include lettuce). Extra produce may be available for purchase at the pick-up. Late Season Share: $350 Late Season Shareholders will receive a vegetable share during the months of August and September (8 weeks). This share is ideal for folks that are gone during earlier months or want a double share for storage. Flower Share: $150 Flower shareholders will receive a weekly flower bouquet. The bouquet season is usually 8-10 weeks starting mid-July (weather permitting.
Becoming a Calypso CSA Shareholder Are you interested in becoming a Calypso CSA shareholder? Please follow these easy steps: 1. Become a supporting member of Calypso Farm and Ecology Center. Membership is an annual donation of any amount that directly supports Calypso's education programs. We ask that all CSA shareholders also be members of Calypso! Membership donations may be mailed to Calypso at: Calypso Farm and Ecology Center PO Box 106 Ester, AK 99725 2. Include a note with your Calypso membership contribution stating that you are interested in being a CSA shareholder. Please include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address with your membership donation. If shares are available for the current year, we will send you more information about the program and a payment slip to be completed and returned. We look forward to having you as a shareholder!
	Other Local CSA Programs In addition to Calypso, four other farms in the Tanana Valley offer CSA programs, including: Basically Basil Gretchen Kerndt PO Box 83271 Fairbanks, AK 99708 479-2089 Demeter Farm Eric Mayo and Sue Kerndt PO Box 83271 Fairbanks, AK 99708 479-6363 Rosie Creek Farm Joan Hornig and Mike Emers PO Box 181 Ester, AK 99725 479-3642 Spinach Creek Farm Lynn and Pete Mayo 5181 Murphy Dome Road Fairbanks, AK 99709 455-6043 We highly recommend each of these farms!