Sprout Richmond and CSAs

Last year, the Sprout Richmond group, "an all volunteer community supported agriculture group committed to the growth and success of local, sustainable, artisanal farming" worked with Charlie of Victory Farms to begin a 100-member CSA. For our readers who aren't in the know, community supported agriculture is a GREAT way to support your local farmers. Basically, members buy a 'share' in the CSA (usually costs between $350-$500, depending on the farm), paid upfront. Throughout the season, the money contributed allows the farmer to grow produce for you, providing you weekly (usually for pickup at a local farmers' market) with a good amount of seasonal produce (it's usually enough for 4+ people). You can always visit the farmer's market and just buy what's there, but farmers will often reserve their best produce for CSA members, because a sum of money paid upfront hugely reduces the risk placed on the farmer -- the sum of the shares sustains the growing season, so the farmer doesn't need to worry about making enough money selling vegetables piece-by-piece.

It's too late this year to join a CSA. They're hugely popular, and the two CSAs in Richmond -- Amy's Garden and Victory Farms -- had huge waiting lists, and as far as I know have already determined their membership lists for 2008. However, you can still get involved! Sprout Richmond has a new blog, and they are looking for volunteers to help with their 2008 project: the development of a small plot of land off Robious Road for CSA-style farming and other sustainable practices! Sprout asks you to email David at bigruble@hotmail.com if you're interested. And check out the Sprout blog -- it looks like a great source for information on sustainable eating in Richmond.