Area farmers are getting ready for the growing season and their CSA programs
Spring is fast approaching. That means WNC farmers will soon begin harvesting asparagus, greens, and spring onions to sell at farmers tailgate markets and to pack directly for their CSA—or Community Supported Agriculture—farm share subscribers. To help those interested in a CSA find the right one for them, ASAP is hosting their Fifth Annual Asheville CSA Fair on Thursday, March 12, from 3 to 6 pm at Jubilee! (46 Wall Street in downtown Asheville). The free family-friendly event is an opportunity to meet area farmers, learn about their CSA programs and products, and sign up.
Family farms offering traditional CSAs provide the chance to sign up for a season and receive a box of produce or meats from their farm every week via convenient pickup or delivery. Many also feature add-on options such as eggs and fresh-cut flowers. Today, there are a growing number of CSAs moving beyond the traditional model with varied subscription sizes and flexible sign-up options. New models even include “shopping” for a CSA box at a farmers market. ASAP’s fair offers the opportunity to ask local CSA farmers what makes them unique.
One farm that you will find at the CSA Fair once again is A Way of Life Farm. Located in Rutherford County, A Way of Life Farm offers three CSA seasons with 32 weeks of fresh produce and an optional pork share. “Our CSA guarantees that a portion of our farm products are already sold, acting as a bit of insurance,” says Jamie Davis, co-owner of the farm. “Having a direct connection with CSA members, folks who are enjoying the food that we grow and feeding their children, throughout the year is thrilling and a great motivator.”
Asked why people should attend the CSA Fair, Davis shared “The fair is a great way to see your CSA options laid out for you. You can easily find the one the best fits your schedule, eating habits, and budget while talking with the farmers face to face. It’s like a one stop farm tour with many farms having plenty of pictures on display, too.”
All participating farms in the CSA Fair have pickup locations in Buncombe County. Below are the 13 diverse Appalachian Grown certified CSA providers slated to attend the fair. ASAP’s Appalachian Grown program certifies food and agricultural products grown or raised on farms in Western North Carolina and the Southern Appalachian mountains.
A Way of Life Farm (Bostic)
Aardvark Farm (Burnsville)
Adelbert Farm (Fairview)
Blue Meadow Farms (Hendersonville)
Full Sun Farm (Leicester)
Gaining Ground Farm (Leicester)
Ivy Creek Family Farm (Barnardsville)
Just Ripe Farm (Weaverville)
Long Valley Eco-Biotic Farm (Marshall)
Patchwork Urban Farms (Buncombe County)
Second Spring Market Garden (Alexander)
Terra Preta (Asheville)
Whiskey Pigs Meats from Reeves Home Place Farm (Leicester)
A local food taste test is also planned, along with children’s activities. The local food taste test will include samplings of local carrots and sweet potatoes from Ivy Creek Family Farm. This year’s event is sponsored by Food Life and Buncombe County. To learn more about the fair and ASAP’s work, visit asapconnections.org. Those unable to attend can browse local farms offering CSAs in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org; the new 2015 print guide hits stands in April.
As another way to celebrate the coming growing season, Early Girl Eatery is hosting a local food social and fundraiser to showcase Appalachian Grown™ certified farms and support ASAP. A Celebration of CSA will take place on March 12 from 6 to 8 pm at Early Girl Eatery immediately after ASAP’s Asheville CSA Fair. A Celebration of CSA will have an array of local food choices featuring ingredients sourced directly from farms participating in the CSA Fair. Expect tasty small bites including mini-quiches, kale salad, Korean chicken, local Monte Cristo sandwiches, and more. Tickets are $20 and include food and one beer or glass of wine. Tickets are available at Early Girl Eatery or asapconnections.org