CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), which has been described by localharvest.org as “a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer,” has now become a common local practice.
Farmers developed the idea which allows customers to directly patronize those who grow their sustenance. Each week patrons receive a box of produce in exchange for purchasing a “share” at the beginning of the season. Besides the fresh food, another advantage to buying locally is having a connection with farmers. In the past, citizens have felt that Clarksville has had limited natural farm-direct produce resources available to them. A grassroots movement largely based within the Facebook community known as “Clarksville Crunchy Ladies” has encouraged the local CSA movement, specifically with one small family farm.
Starting when harvest begins in May, Paradise Produce Farms will deliver 24 weeks of produce to Silke’s Old World Breads Bakery and Café, located at 1213 College Street from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Half (couple sized) and full shares (family sized) are available ranging from $400 to $700 for the 24 week season. The deadline to sign up for the service is May 1.
“Purchasing your share up front is part of the beauty of sustainable agriculture in CSAs.” Says Sonia Geny, wife of Stacy Geny and co-owner of Paradise Produce. “Your family gets to be a part of the year round cycle of farming. The farm takes your share purchase and converts it directly to seed and labor. Then, because of your support, he brings you healthy produce that lives up to your food and economical values.”
“The farm produces everything from artichokes to zucchini.” Stacey Geny said. “We use no chemicals or GMOs, but instead through mineralization of the soil, balanced nutrition, and careful handling, let the natural processes of the earth encourage our crops to yield bountifully.” Depending on the season, peppers, a variety of greens, zucchini, summer squash, winter squash, watermelons, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, beets, onions, radishes, carrots and more can be added to members’ boxes. An early summer half-share box might include, for example, one pint of cherry tomatoes, one head of lettuce, one-and-a-half pounds of summer squash, one bag of baby lettuce, one bunch of kale and one herb bunch of basil. A full share would include all of those items, plus one bunch of carrots, one-and-a-half pounds of cucumbers, four to six turnips and a couple bulbs of garlic. Members will also receive weekly recipes and a reusable tote for their produce.
“CSAs are not only about eating chemical-free and locally, but also cultivating community. You know your farmer instead of the grocery store aisle. You know why your food is good for your family and ours.” Sonia said.
To find out more or sign up for the service, visit the Paradise Produce website, or contact Sonia and Stacy at paradiseproducefarms@gmail.com or 615-476-9203.
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