CSA Community Sponsored Agriculture
CSA is an idea in farming that has been gaining momentum in the USA since the 1980’s. The concept originated in the 1960’s in Switzerland and Japan, where consumers who were interested in safe food and farmers who were interested in stable markets joined together to create partnerships. CSA’s consist of a community of individuals who support a farm operation so that, legally and/or spiritually, the farm belongs to the community of members. The grower and members then share mutually in the risk and benefits of the food production. Members receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the season while contributing to building a more local, sustainable and equitable agriculture system.
At Bertrand Farm, our CSA is not just about food. We are about education. We include beginner farmer training in our CSA program. Each summer we host interns and apprentices that are pursuing careers in agriculture and environmental studies. The interns make up a large part of the work force that maintains the CSA farm. We are about community. We involve our members in all aspects of our farm, as well. Member feedback each year helps us to grow and change to best serve our community.
We believe in creating the best value for our members, while maintaining the principles of earth stewardship and educating the next generation of farmers. It’s a win, win opportunity.. come grow with us!
CSA Memberships for 2018
Working members commit to work at the farm three hours each week from May – September with optional days beginning in April and harvest only days from October through November. Workers typically work for two hours and harvest for one. Working members are vital to our farming mission and contribute to the success or failure of our crops. We offer a long season to our workers and the ability to customize their baskets and receive storage quantities of bumper crops.
$375/season.
Working Member Contract
We are now taking 2018 CSA membership. To register for CSA programming, please complete the registration document, sign the appropriate contract(s) and mail them with down payment to:
Bertrand Farm at GSMS
Attn: CSA
3575 W. Bertrand Rd.
Niles, MI 49120
Gift Certificates available for all programming. Contact Theri Niemier at [email protected].
