CSA

a variety of seedsCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an arrangement by which customers and farmers provide mutual support, for the benefit of both. Members buy a share of the harvest before the season begins, and farmers use the early income to order the seeds and supplies they need to get production underway.

Abenaki Springs Farm’s (ASF’s) CSA program began in 2005, and offers members 6 months of the best and freshest produce on a prepaid basis for approximately $25 a week for a full share. Unlike many CSAs in which customers receive a box of vegetables set aside by the farmer, ASF CSA members  choose the produce they prefer from the seasonal selection available and they choose when to pick it up. Vacation schedules and CSA schedules do not conflict, nor do taste preferences.

In 2012, AFS trialled a CSA Advantage program in which especially popular crops in limited supply, like asparagus and berries, are set aside for CSA members during the first hour of each Keene market and the first 1/2 hour of the Walpole market. This program was so popular that it has become a permanent feature of the ASF CSA.

Produce available
blueberriesThe CSA offers a wide range of produce, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, asparagus, salad greens and cooking greens, radishes, peas, many varieties of summer and winter squash, cucumbers, herbs, onions, beets, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, melons, garlic, and more. Take a look at the list of the produce generally available to see when it is likely to come into season.

asparagus and radishesSpecial benefits of  joining the CSA

  • Early joiners receive more produce for the share price.
  • Receive a discount on produce purchased beyond the share price.
  • All members enjoy the CSA Advantage
  • Select the produce you want, when you want it and where to pick it up.
  • Know you are helping to preserve a small family farm and productive farm land,  contributing to the local economy, and reducing your “food miles” and carbon emissions.

walpole farmers market

CSA Pick Up, your choice:

  • Farmers Market of Keene on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm behind Colonial Theatre.
  • Walpole Farmers Market on Fridays from 4 pm to 6 pm on the Walpole Town Common.

CSA Season
The CSA season runs from the beginning of May through the end of October. Members are responsible for using the value of their share by the end of October. Balances do not carry forward beyond October. The CSA balance can be checked at any market or by emailing Elaine (a great friend of the farm).

Fee structure for 2013. Full and half shares are available this year.

  • Full Share (On average, this will provide a good selection of produce for 4 people over the season.): $600.00
    Select $600 worth of produce and then get a 25% discount on all purchases beyond that, until Oct 31st.
  • Half Share (On average, this will provide a good selection of produce for 2 people over the season.): $300
    Select $300 worth of produce and then get a 20% discount on all purchases beyond that, until Oct 31st.
  • Work shares are always available!. It’s hard work, but very rewarding.

How to join

  • Digitally: If you bank online, you can email back the digital version of the CSA sign up form. It is a Word document with data blanks; just click in the blanks to fill out the form. Use the payee information on the form to tell your bank where to send the check.
  • By snail mail: If you will snail mail your check, download the print version of the CSA sign up form. Send it, with your check to:

Abenaki Springs Farm
PO Box 643
Walpole, NH 03608

If you have any questions about the CSA, give a ring at 603-209-7100.