The mission of EarthDance is to grow and inspire local FARMS -
Food, Art, Relationships, & Music - Sustainably!
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
EarthDance’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program:
With the CSA model, community members invest in their local farm by paying for a full season’s worth of produce before the growing season starts. This benefits growers by providing them with income when their need is greatest, before market sales begin. CSA members support their farmers by sharing the inherent rewards and risks of agriculture. In return, they receive a weekly share of the harvest throughout the growing season!
Since 2010, EarthDance has operated a unique teaching CSA for EarthDance apprentices and staff members. In 2011, EarthDance debuted a public CSA, inviting community members to share our bounty. Changes to our 2012 CSA program include working memberships (a 4 hour volunteer commitment per membership, per season) and pick-up at local farmers markets.
Background and Basics of the CSA Model:
EarthDance's apprentices, friends, and family at the 2010 Summer Solstice Potluck.
With its roots in 1960s Japan, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for citizens across the U.S. to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. This system provides the farmer with much needed spring capital to get going as well as a secure market for the season. A farmer sells “shares” to the public, and, in turn, those consumers become shareholders of the farm for the season. Instead of receiving a stock dividend, CSA shareholders receive a portion of the harvest each week. But CSA members are not just investing in a farm; they are investing in their health and in their local economy and environment. Also, CSA members create a sense of community with their growers and each other through the weekly share pick-ups, recipe exchanges, and at on-farm events. Beyond eating fresh produce in season and building community, CSA shareholders learn to accept the risks and rewards of vegetables grown according to Mother Nature’s schedule.
EarthDance CSA FAQ’s:
Where, When and How Do I Receive My Share?
How much does an EarthDance CSA membership cost?
Do you offer any special payment plans?
Can members of the EarthDance CSA visit and volunteer on the farm?
Is there a deadline for signing up?
Does EarthDance grow organically?
What can I look forward to in my CSA share?
Can I split a CSA box with some one else?
What if I go out of town during the season?
Where, When and How Do I Receive My Share?
In 2012, EarthDance CSA pick-up will take place at The Ferguson and Maplewood Farmers Markets.
You can pick up your share from the EarthDance booth at two local farmers markets: on Wednesday afternoon 4-6pm at the Maplewood market or Saturday mornings, 8am-11am at the Ferguson market. Your share will be boxed and ready to take home.
Does your CSA offer delivery?
No, all public CSA members must pick up their shares at the markets. At this time, EarthDance must keep staff resources directed toward growing food and teaching our apprentices.
How much does an EarthDance CSA membership cost?
Our CSA membership is $600 per season with a one time $25 non-refundable sign up fee.
Do you offer any special payment plans?
Yes, we do offer payment plans. You can pay in one lump sum or in 3 payments: $100 due at the time of sign-up, $250 due March 30th, and the final $250 due April 30th. There is also a $25 sign up fee for new members. Returning members will not pay this fee. Because space in our public CSA is very limited, your initial deposit of $100 is required to hold your space. A CSA membership is reserved upon receipt of the first payment. New members, please add the $25 sign up fee to your first payment.
How can I pay for my share?
EarthDance will accept check or cash for payment. Checks should be made payable to EarthDance.
Can members of the EarthDance CSA visit and volunteer on the farm?
Absolutely! In fact, we ask that our public members contribute 4 volunteer hours per membership, per season, toward the success of the farm’s harvest or field work endeavors. This allows our members to develop a deeper connection to their food and their farmers, while learning more about the pleasures and challenges of organic farming. You are welcome to volunteer more often if you like, and regular farm tours are available as well. The farm is located in Ferguson, in North St. Louis County, about 20 minutes or less from most areas of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
The farm is open six days a week, Sunday-Friday. Day, evening, and week-end work shifts are available. Questions about the field work commitment? Email Rachel, EarthDance’s Farm and Community Education Coordinator.
How do I sign up?
You may sign up here: http://tinyurl.com/earthdance-csa-register
Also, you need to download and sign a copy of the EarthDance 2012 CSA Contract. Please mail your signed contract with your 1st payment to:
EarthDance, 302 Thoroughman, Ferguson MO, 63135
Is there a deadline for signing up?
No, there is not a deadline for signing up although shares are limited and we expect to sell out quickly.
Does EarthDance grow organically?
EarthDance employs organic methods, and does not use synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides. We practice integrated pest management, crop rotation and a host of other techniques with sustainability at our core. We are not currently certified.
What can I look forward to in my CSA share?
You can download a copy of our Chef Variety Info to find out exactly what we’re growing this year. Your share will consist of 6-12 different vegetables per week plus several herbs mid-May through mid-Oct (24 weeks). Our anticipated harvests include:
May: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli Raab, Cilantro, Collards, Kale, Lettuces, Radish, Salad Mix/Mesclun, Scallions, Sugar Snap Peas, Swiss Chard, and Turnips.
June: Beets, Carrots, Cilantro, Collards, Dill, Fennel, Kale, Lettuces, Onions, Oregano, Potatoes, Parsley, Scallions, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, and Thyme.
July: Basil, Beans, Cucumber, Eggplant, Fennel, Flowers, Garlic Bulbs, Okra, Onion, Oregano Potatoes, Scallions, Swiss Chard, Summer Squash, Thyme, Tomatillo, and Tomatoes.
August: Basil, Beans, Cucumber, Dill, Eggplant, Fennel, Flowers, Hot Peppers, Husk Cherries, Leeks, Okra, Onions, Oregano, Potatoes, Scallions, Summer Squash, Sweet Peppers, Swiss Chard, Thyme, Tomatillo, and Tomatoes.
September: Arugula, Basil, Beans, Beets, Carrots, Cilantro, Collards, Cucumber, Dill, Eggplant, Fennel, Flowers, Hot Peppers, Husk Cherries, Kale, Leeks, Parsley, Okra, Oregano, Radish, Salad Mix/Mesclun, Scallion, Summer Squash, Sweet Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Thyme, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, and Winter Squash.
October: Arugula, Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Broccoli Raab, Cabbage, Carrots, Cilantro, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuces, Oregano, Parsley, Radish, Salad Mix/Mesclun, Scallion, Sugar Snap Peas, Swiss Chard, Thyme, Turnips, and Winter Squash.
Do you offer half-shares?
No.
Can I split a CSA box with some one else?
Yes, you may split a share although you are responsible to coordinate both payment and pick-up. Only one payee per share please. Some find it more convenient to alternate pick-up weeks.
What if I go out of town during the season?
If you will be out of town you may arrange for someone else to pick-up your share, or you may skip that week. Missed shares will not be replaced at another time.
