STROUD TOWNSHIP, PA

Cherry Valley CSA
      Local organic farmer Heidi Secord is in her second year of farming on the former Josephine Porter farm on Cherry Valley Rd./Rte. 191.  Heidi initiated the development of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) on this Township owned parcel,   which is along Cherry Creek, and was acquired through Open Space and EIT monies in 2004.   The same techniques used by Josie Porter of bio-dynamic and organic farming are being used for this sustainable agricultural venture.   

      A CSA is a partnership between a farmer and a limited number of people who pay up-front for a share of farm produce grown during the growing season of May through October.

      CSAs are an increasingly popular trend in the U.S. as consumers wish to better their diet with in-season and unadulterated foods.  While the farmer is tending the earth on behalf of others, residents share the costs of supporting the farmer through memberships.  When you join a CSA, you are voting with your food dollar for a healthy and sustainable food system!

      Pennsylvania is a strong partner in the national “Buy Fresh - Buy Local” campaign recognizing that its citizens will get exceptional taste and freshness, strengthen their local economy, support endangered family farms, safeguard their family's health, and help protect the environment. Some of the start-up costs may be supplemented with state and federal grants.  For more information about this campaign for our region visit the web at www.buylocalpa.org.

     In the Fall of 2009, a new children’s garden was fenced off as an Eagle Scout project by Stephen Yarrishan. Programs for community youth are being created focusing on ecological gardening. Planning continues for the 2010 season with additional seed orders, field and crop rotation schedules, and biodynamic spraying schedules. Spinach, lettuce and peas are going in the ground! The annual shareholder’s meeting will be held in the beginning of May, date to be announced on-line at: www.cherryvalleycsa.com A limited number of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) memberships are still available for the 2010 growing season. A Family/Full Share fee is $650. An Individual/Half Share fee is $325. Membership fees cover the costs of seeds, soil amendments, farm supplies, insurance, salaries for the farmers, stipends for interns and so much more that goes into making the operation sustainable.

Contact Heidi at cvcsa@ptd.net or 570-992-1159 or 570-992-0899 for more information.

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03/18/2010