What is a Farm Cropshare or Community Supported Ag?
A CSA or as we like to call it, a Cropshare, is a symbiotic relationship between a regional community and their local farms. Members pre-purchase a share of the harvest and in return receive a weekly supply of fresh seasonal vegetables picked at their peak of ripeness and flavor. The arrangement guarantees the farmer financial support in the “off season,” while providing food security for the community of eaters who are invested in the success of their local food web. Supporting local small farms who, in the age of big ag, have the acute ability to maintain healthy conscious practices in a tangible way promotes local food security and aids to preserve the last of our farm land for our future generations.
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History of a CSA
The CSA concept was first developed in Japan in 1965. The idea blossomed from a group of women concerned with pesticide use, the increase in processed and imported foods, and the corresponding decrease in the local farm population. They called it “Teikei” which translates literally as partnership or cooperation, and philosophically as “food with the farmers face on it”, or face to face agriculture. The first CSA’s appeared in the U.S. in New England in 1986. Now there are over 4,000 CSA’s in North America.
Why Sweet Leaf?
Sweet Leaf’s has been nourishing the Eugene and Portland communities for over 20 years. With fertile sandy soil, a few acres of cold frames and a well seasoned highly skilled farm crew, your household will be assured a diverse weekly bountiful box of vegetables and fruits of the highest quality. Additionally, you will receive a 10% discount at our farmer’s markets.
We have committed our life’s work to properly stewarding our land and preserving our precious Willamette Valley River bottom soils for future generations. We are looking forward to strengthening the connection between the community (you) the farm (soil) and the farmers (us).
Calling all food preservers!!
In addition to your weekly box,
Sweet Leaf wants to pass down the abundance of the season to our members and fellow food processors. When we have a bumper crop or excess harvest our members will be the first to partake! Expect discounted cases of, for example; cabbage or beets for kraut making, tomatoes for sauce, basil for pesto winter stock and optional add-ons.
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When it comes to fruit,
We understand a CSA isn't quite the treasure without the fruit.
To meet this demand we like to support our other local organic farmer friends throughout the season by supplementing with their fruity offerings; such as Peaches, blueberries, apples, cranberries & more.
CROPS
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New Potatoes
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Carrots
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Beets
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Leafy Greens: Kales, Chards, Collards
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Salad mix
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Arugula
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Salad turnips
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Cherry Tomato
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Garlic scapes
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Cucumber
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Broccoli
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Cabbage
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Cauliflower
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Summer Squash
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Herbs: Basil, Cilantro, Parlsey, Dill
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Spinach
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Head Lettuce
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Radish
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Sweet onions
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​Strawberries
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CORN
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Tomatoes
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Cantaloupe
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Watermelon
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Garlic Bulbs
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Artichoke
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Flowers
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Peppers
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Additonal berry & fruit supplemented by Local Organic Farms