Organic Food Deliver in Northern Virginia: CSA Programs

Community Supported Agriculture is becoming more and more popular. I think it is a win win for the farmers and the consumers. The farmer gets capital and the consumer gets healthy organic vegetables for the harvest season.

Last year I subscribed to the VA Green Grocer CSA and it was amazing. The quality of the food was top notch and I was completely satisfied. The best part is they deliver the weekly harvest to your door- something many CSA's do not do. The CSA costs about 1085.00 for a family share and the half share costs $675. This is not inclusive of tax. The CSA runs from June to October. In the beginning of the season the shares are not that plentiful because the season just started but as the season progresses there are tons of things you get and very bountiful. What I like about this CSA is that they also have a winter share for items that they grow in the greenhouse. I had cilantro last me 1 month compared to the grocery store which only lasts me about 1 week and then it gets all wilted and unpleasant. You can get more information from their website: http://www.virginiagreengrocer.com/ or call 540-347-4740 and talk to Sandy- she is a very nice woman.

This year I am trying a different CSA just to experience what other farms do. I joined DragonFly Farm's CSA. If you have never done a CSA, this one is nice because they guarantee your satisfaction and work with you if you are not happy. They also substitute items. For example, if you don't eat tomatoes then they will give you other items in lie of that which is nice. They also work with other farms and this way you get the bounty of not only Dragon Fly Farm but also other local farms. Dragon Fly is known for its currant vinegar. I have heard it is amazing. They also have many share options where you can get meats, artisan breads, locally made artisan cheese and fresh cut flowers all season long. Their CSA season is from May to September. You have to pick up one of their locations but if you have 5 or more CSA members, they will create a drop off point for you so that is nice. The 2009 vegetable/ fruit CSA is $695 for 18 weeks. They also do vacation credits so that is great if you are going out of town. For more information please visit their site: http://dffarms.com/default.aspx or call 240-353-8408 and talk to Claudia.

These are just some that I have experience with but there are many CSA's out there just take the time to find the one that is right for you!