CSA Share Information
Heritage Harvest Farm Community-Supported Agriculture Program FAQs
What is the Heritage Harvest Farm’s Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program?
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a direct-buy program that allows Central Ohio consumers to purchase local, seasonal fruits, vegetables and eggs from Heritage Harvest Farm. There is no middle man, nor big grocery chains. Your share was grown, tended, harvested and sold by Heritage Harvest Farm producers. Heritage Harvest Farm is located in Morrow County, on County Road 46 in Galion, Ohio. The two-acre farm was purchased in August 2010 with large-scale fruit and vegetable production, as well as the CSA, in mind. Along with the land, the two outbuildings were attained with the purchase to serve as a makeshift chicken coop and garden-supplies storage building. The poly tunnels were built by Heritage Harvest Farm owner/operator Matt Gompf.
What is a share?
As a member of the Heritage Harvest Farm’s CSA, you are entitled to a share of the harvest for the growing season. Depending on your membership, you may receive a weekly or biweekly share. CSA members must realize that the size of weekly shares will depend on the season, weather and produce cooperation. Early- and late-season shares will be smaller, while summer shares will be overflowing with fresh, tasty produce! Each share will consist of a variety of fruits and vegetables, along with a dozen eggs. The amount of each variety can not be predetermined, as the production of such items depends largely on Mother Nature. There is no guarantee of quantity.
Each share amounts to a minimum of $25 each week in produce, eggs and specialty items. As the season progresses, shares will increase in size and value because more produce will be available, but you will not be charged more! We feel it is important for shareholders to have some produce to preserve for winter in order to enjoy our bounty throughout the year. If you do not wish to preserve, then it is our gift to you to share with friends, family or neighbors, or use as you please. Shares will never amount to less than $25 each week, making each week an opportunity to receive fresh produce, eggs and baked goods, jams, spice/dip mixes, etc.
New for 2014 is our chicken share, which will be available for Powell and Mt. Vernon CSA customers only. Like our regular CSA, you may choose a weekly or biweekly option. Each pick-up will include a whole frozen chicken that was pastured-raised in small flocks at Heritage Harvest Farm. Chickens will be around four pounds, and are processed at a licensed, state-inspected facility.
CSA contents from 2012 season:
CSA Share Week 2
(May 22, 2012)
Spring Mix Greens 1 bag
(Buttercrunch, Bordeaux Spinach, Arugula, Black Seeded Simpson, Beet Greens, Red Sails, Slobolt)
Red Beard Scallions 1 bunch
Cherry Bell Radishes 1 bunch
White Icicle Radishes 1 bunch
Fresh Cut Oregano 1 bunch
Fresh Cut Thyme 1 bunch
Baby Turnips 1 bunch
Brown and Blue Eggs 1 dozen
Mini Head Romaine 1 bag
Maple Almond Granola 1 8 oz. bag
Pepper & Onion Bread 1 loaf
Fiesta Dip Mix 1 bag
Steak Blend Spice Mix 1 bag
CSA Share Week 14
(August 14, 2012)
Roma Tomatoes 1 bag
Hillbilly & Super Sioux 1 bag
Henderson Lima Beans 1 qt.
Onions 2
Herbs (basil, mint, thyme, rosemary) 1 bunch
Eggs 1 doz.
Armenian Cucumber 1
Capistrano Green Peppers 2
Hot pepper mix (jalapenos, Hungarian Wax, Cayenne, Serano, Holy Mole)
Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes 1 pint
Okra 1 qt.
Carnival Acorn Squash 1
What are the advantages of joining a CSA?
By purchasing a membership from Heritage Harvest Farm’s CSA, you are making a commitment to eating fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs that are at their highest peak of flavor and nutrients. You will be exposed to unique varieties of foods that are either not found in conventional grocery stores or are too expensive for the family’s food budget.
How long has the farm and CSA been in operation?
Egg production at Heritage Harvest Farm has been in operation since 2010, and large-scale fruit and vegetable gardening was established in 2011. CSA memberships were first available for purchase for the 2012 growing season.
What types of fruits and vegetables are grown for the CSA?
Heritage Harvest Farm produces edible fruits and vegetables, such as varieties of: beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, lettuces, spinach, scallions, garlic, onions, snow peas, sugar peas, radishes, turnips, parsnips, beans, squash, potatoes, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, cauliflower, eggplant, herbs, tomatoes, etc. From seed to share, everything is grown on the farm’s acreage. The farm and CSA does NOT purchase anything from a produce auction and repackage it. Not every CSA or farmers’ market vendor does, so be sure to ask before you buy!
How are your fruits and vegetables grown?
Heritage Harvest Farm practices natural and traditional growing and maintenance methods, which are primarily done by hand. Many varieties of fruits and vegetables are delicate and must be handled with care to minimize bruising. Because the CSA serves as a source of the family’s fruits, vegetables and eggs, the utmost in care, safety and quality is taken into concern. Certified-organic pesticides and fertilizers, as well as
homemade, all-natural compost and insecticidal soap, are used throughout the growing season as needed to help control pests, disease and soil composition. Both heirloom and hybrid seeds are used on Heritage Harvest Farm. Because of this, CSA members will be able to taste an array of fruits and vegetables that are uncommon in chain grocery stores.
What kind of chickens to you have?
Heritage Harvest Farm has several breeds of chickens: Barred Rock, Amerucana and Golden Buff, as well as a few mixed breeds. There are 250 laying hens ordered for the 2014 season. The hens lay blue-green, speckled and brown eggs. The chickens are not certified organic and are not fed organic feed. They have access to feed and water 24 hours a day. The chickens are pastured, moving to fresh grass frequently. The chickens are located inside the mobile coop during the night to prevent wild predators, such as coyote and raccoon, from invading the flock.
What else is included in a CSA share?
Your share may include a variety of fresh bread, pies, cookies, muffins, granola, jams/jellies, spice and dip mixes and other food items that fall under the Cottage Food category provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. These items will be a periodic part of your CSA share and not included every week. These food items are homemade by Corinne.
How do I become a CSA member?
To join the Heritage Harvest Farm’s CSA, you may call (740) 294-1083 or e-mail [email protected] to learn if a spot is open. Memberships are limited, so it is in your best interest to contact the farm early to reserve a spot on the wait-list.
May I visit the farm?
Yes! Members are encouraged to visit the farm, and tours are given as the schedule permits. Members are asked to call or e-mail one week prior to their visit. Farm tours are free to CSA members. And while there are pets on the farm in addition to farm animals, you are asked leave your pets at home. There are no tours or visits permitted on Sundays.