Community Supported Agriculture opportunities available to all residents
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This good earth-Cheryl Rogowski and Bob McGrath, pictured here in the field at the W. Rogowski Farm in Pine Island, are promoting Community Supported Agriculture. Photo by Roger Gavan
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WARWICK - Sustainable Warwick Chairman Bob McGrath is anxious to get the word out about CSAs.
“If you haven’t heard of it before,” he said, “CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. And over the last 20 years, CSAs have become a popular way to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.”
McGrath explained that each participating farmer offers a certain number of “shares,” which are very much like memberships or subscriptions, to the public. Typically the share consists of vegetables, but other farm products may also be included.
Local consumers can purchase a “share” and in return receive seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.
Sustainable Warwick’s stated mission is to increase public understanding of sustainability by providing information and encouraging individuals, community organizations, businesses, schools, and government to cooperate in protecting environmental quality and reducing carbon emissions.
From the organization’s perspective, Community Supported Agriculture helps preserve local farmland and open space, which in turn benefits the environment and, in general, Warwick’s quality of life.
The advantages for CSA shareholders, McGrath added, include eating ultra-fresh food, being exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking and visiting the farm as a “partner.” Children also love the connection to the farm, and, as an added bonus, they may even eat their veggies. Those families also develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food while learning more about how food is grown. Some, especially children, or those who no longer have their own gardens, may even offer to help participate in the actual farming from time to time.
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“We grow over 300 varieties of vegetables and herbs,” said Cheryl Rogowski, who manages the award winning W. Rogowski Farm in Pine Island. “And much of what we offer is not available in supermarkets.”
McGrath nodded in agreement. “We’ve had access to great vegetables we never even knew existed,” he smiled.
Rogowski also explained that each farm is different and CSA members share in the fortunes of the farmers, good or bad.
“When we have a bumper crop,” she said. “Our members benefit just like us.”
Local CSA programs are available within the Town of Warwick at Hathorn Farm, W. Rogowski Farm, Senior Share of the Harvest, sponsored by the W. Rogowski Farm and Midsummer Farm.
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