Grassroots Rural Retreat

Community Shared Agriculture (CSA)

Crave Fresh Naturally Grown Garden Vegetables?
Why not join our CSA garden. Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) promotes the philosophy “Know your Food, Know your Farmer”. This model provides a direct relationship between you & the farmer that grows your food. As your CSA farmer we receive a set membership fee (from you - the consumer) prior to the start of the growing season. In return for approximately 16 weeks, you receive weekly shares (produce) in the farm's bounty of fresh, high quality naturally grown vegetables and herbs. We also offer a Country Flower Bouquet share as well so that you can enjoy a beautiful new flower arrangement every week!! We give you the opportunity to choose a fresher alternative by eating locally grown produce that is picked just for you. In addition, you are also helping to strengthen the local economy by keeping your food dollar in the community in which you live. Why not taste the difference for yourself and support your local community too.
How do we grow for you? Our gardens are grown by a term we like to refer to as “Ecoganic” farming. Ecoganic principles teaches us to be ecologically responsible for the stewardship of our land through the use organic farming practices. This way of farming is really the heart of sustainable agriculture and living for us.. Although we have chosen not to become certified organic at this time due to costly fees and an overwhelming load of paper work, we do follow the organic standards as our guide. We maintain a rich soil that will provide our crops with sufficient nutrients and a healthy environment. We do not use any commercial synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. By rotating crops, growing many different kinds of crops, and using timely appropriate practices, we try to minimize insect and disease damage. Not to mention a lot of hand hoeing and love!! We manage our soil and cultivate our crops in ways that we believe will allow the land to continue to be productive now and into the future . We prefer to invite you come out to see for yourself how we operate our farm and build a relationship with us. Click here for our farm history...
How does it work?
On the scheduled day, members go to their pick-up depot (farm, Goderich, Kincardine, Wingham, Blyth, Clinton and Ripley) where they pick up their share and catch up with the farmer or the depot host. For unforeseen absences during the season, members can have a friend pick-up their share. (Otherwise produce is donated to the food bank.)
Our Shares Available
	Pick-ups begin mid June for approximately 16 weeks, depending on the season. Each week will bring a variety of vegetables & herbs for you to try. Basic Summer Share Small Box…… $ 300 (1-2 people for $18.75 per week) Large Box...…. $ 575 (3-4 people for $36.00 per week) Cottage Box.....$ 200 (1-2 people for July & August) Note: If you desire more vegetables you can purchase more than 1 box. (i.e. - 1 small &1 large)
Gourmet Summer Share Gourmet Box ……………………… $100 You will receive 1-2 items per week (dependant upon availability)throughout the season of the following: Asian greens, Kale, Bok Choy, Swiss Chard, Chinese cabbage, hot & purple peppers, eggplant, Brussels sprouts, purple carrots, collards, parsnips and other little gourmet delights throught out the season. Flower Bouquets Shares Full Share: (16 weeks)……………..$275 Half Share: (8 weeks) …………….. $175 We offer flower bouquets that are sure to capture the beauty of Mother Nature. Our freshly made country bouquets are a dazzling mixture of color, texture and fragrance. Now all you need is to find a flower vase to match…. The list below will vary dependent upon weather & crop growth. June: lettuce, mixed greens, green onions, spinach, chives, garlic scapes, rhubarb, radishes July: peas, mixed greens, romaine, cabbage, zucchini, radishes, carrots, beets, green onions, beans, broccoli, cilantro, dill, parsley. August: beans, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, squash, lettuce, corn, new potatoes, zucchini, dill, oregano, basil, cherry tomatoes, garlic, sweet peppers, beans, leeks. September: tomatoes, melons, cantaloupe, peppers, zucchini, squash, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, mixed greens, corn, potatoes, beets, rutabaga, pumpkin, onions, mixed greens, spinach, leeks. October 2nd: Is our *Fall on the Farm Harvest Day*. Come to the farm and go Harvest Wild gathering your root vegetables along with anything left over!!!
Hidden Treasures of Grassroots CSA...
In addition to the guaranteed freshly harvested weekly shares of vibrant produce that your membership offers, Grassroots CSA also offers: All the cherry tomatoes, peas and beans you can pick! 10% Farm Friends Card (ask us about this) Participation in the *Fall on the Farm Harvest Day*, our end of the season you dig day & potluck Garden Gossip newsletter with info & updates An open “get fit” invitation to be a participating member with us at the farm! (Always planting, weeding and harvesting to do…)
How to join our CSA Farm?
Just download the membership form, fill it in and send it with your payment to: Grassroots Rural Retreat 736 Bruce Rd 86, R#1 Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0 ATT: CSA Membership Note: Our last season members get first chance on re joining. As we have a limit on membership if you would like to be put on our waiting list we will contact you after we hear from our current members. Please email us with your name & address to vicky@grassrootsruralretreat.com and we will get you on that list.
Click here for Members Form Download We are now excepting memberships for the 2010 season. A non refundable deposit is required to hold your place in the garden. Spaces fill up quickly so get you form in soon. Thank you