The Weblog
What’s New With Kawartha Ecological Growers?
Community Shared Agriculture Program
KEG is launching a 200 share CSA program and we are currently seeking members (share holders).
This is the short version of how it works:
- As a share holder, you will recieve $30 worth of produce every week from mid-June until early Decemeber – a 25 week season
- All produce is picked as fresh as humanly possible and delivered to you
- Because we are a farmer group, with over 15 different farms, we can offer a wide range of products
- KEG products have been being used by some of Toronto’s top chefs for three years now – we will be delivering the same quality goods to you
For greater detail, please see next entry
CSA Details
KAWARTHA ECOLOGICAL GROWERS · 200 SHARE CSA PROGRAM AGREEMENT
WHO? THE KAWARTHA ECOLOGICAL GROWERS – a collection of over fifteen eco-friendly farms in the western Kawartha Lakes area. Some farms are certified organic, others are organic and non-certified, all produce good, clean, fair food. KEG has been established since 2006, and is now entering its third year of bringing the best foods from the Kawartha’s into Toronto. This will be our inaugural year with a CSA program. Since 2006 we have been supplying several Toronto fine dining restaurants and working at two Toronto farmer’s markets. Many of our member farms have been in operation for many generations.
WHAT? A 200 SHARE COMMUNITY SHARED AGRICULTURE (CSA) PROJECT – one share should feed a family of four for one week (depending on your eating habits). Because KEG is a collection of over fifteen different farms, you can be assured of a reasonably good variety of produce all season long. However, because you will be “eating with the seasons”, in early June you should expect quite a bit of greens in your box (i.e. spinach, arugula, baby greens, head lettuce, etc.). Likewise, at the end of the season you should expect vegetables that store well (i.e. beets, carrots, squash, cabbage, etc.). Also, early in the season instead of overloading you with $30 of salad greens, we may opt to supply you with a $20-$25 produce value instead, and make up the difference in peak season with $35-$40 produce. Finally, if we hit a ‘lull’ in between crops, due to weather, we may opt to supply some non-perishable alternatives such as 500 ml. maple syrup, or a pint of honey. Ultimately this is a relationship of trust. We are asking you to trust us to supply your family with the best foods possible. A good number of Toronto’s top chefs have been doing exactly this for three years now – and everything has worked out great thus far.
WHEN? FROM JUNE 15th TO DECEMBER 3rd – a twenty-five week season. We are asking you to commit to the whole season. If you plan to be away for a week or two, we recommend you find someone like-minded to pick up your share for that time, and introduce them to the benefits of knowing, and trusting, where their food is coming from. Our farmers are depending on you for their livelihood.
HOW? THE COST FOR ONE SHARE IS $770 – this is $30 worth of produce per week for 25 weeks, plus a one time administration fee of $20 (if you continue with us next year, there will not be charged another administration fee). This will be paid for by three post dated cheques. The first is due on May 14th, for $385 (half of the total). The second is due on August 13th, for $192.50 (quarter of the total). The last is due on October 15th, for $192.50 (remaining quarter of the total). KEG’s CSA program will operate on a bulk system, in order to eliminate packaging. This is how it works: * KEG farmers will be boxing their produce into bushel boxes * Signs will be posted telling you what you will receive for that weeks (i.e. one quart green beans, one bunch beets, two zucchini, 4 oz. baby greens, etc.) * You will go enter our delivery truck and take one of each and place into your own containers that you will bring with you * There will be someone present to help you with any issues, questions or concerns Finally, there are no substitutions – this becomes too difficult to keep track of
WHERE? THREE PICK UP LOCATIONS – Although not 100% confirmed yet, these locations most likely will be: * Tuesdays, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Trinity Bellwood Farmer’s market * Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Brickworks Farmer’s market * Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Culinarium (705 Mount Pleasant, near Eglinton) If we get a lot of response from a community outside one of these locations, we would be flexible to add another drop-off location. Ideally, we would like to divide up our 200 CSA shares equally between these three times and locations – when you sign up, we will ask you to commit to a drop-off location. Finally, if for some reason you fail to pick up your box, it will be held for 48 hours at Culinarium.
WHY? KNOW THE PEOPLE WHO GROW YOUR FOOD! – You will be guaranteed farm fresh produce, grown in an environmentally sensitive manner. Often this produce is picked within 24 hours of delivery. You will receive a greater value for your money than by buying direct from the market (i.e. Peas at the market may sell for $3.50/quart, through this arrangement, we can offer this to you at $3.00-$3.25/quart). If you wish to make a trip up to the Kawartha’s, you can visit your food while it is being grown!
...if you need further information, or have any questions, issues or concerns, please contact:
Mark Trealout at kawarthaecogrowers@gmail.com. Or 705-439-3372.
CSA Information Event
SAT. MAY 3RD @ CULINARIUM, 3-6 p.m. (705 Mount Pleasant Rd.)
Want to learn more about KEG’s Community Shared Agriculture program in person?
- Mark Trealout will be at Culinarium from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. discussing the KEG’s 2008 CSA program.
- Very informal, drop-in whenever you would like to find out more about buying great local, eco-friendly foods for your table.
- For more info about Culinarium, a unique gourmet food store in mid-town Toronto showcasing exceptional Ontario products, visit: www.culinarium.ca