TITUSVILLE: CSAs are more productive than reported

To the editor:, I read with great interest Michele Byers’ recent article encouraging readers to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I would like to offer a correction to one statement and an expansion of her explanation of how a CSA works., Ms. Byers’ opening statement that “Fresh New Jersey produce will not be available for another month or so” is simply not true. As a member of the Chickadee Creek Farm CSA in Pennington, I have been able to purchase fresh organic New Jersey produce throughout the winter. Thanks to the innovative farming techniques and management practices utilized by Chickadee Creek owner/farmer Jess Niederer, her local CSA members have enjoyed the opportunity to order fresh organic produce on a weekly basis since the Pennington Farmers Market closed for the season last Fall., The CSA run by Jess and the Chickadee Creek crew employs an innovative approach to sales and marketing, too. Rather than supplying each member with a share of whatever crops are harvested in a given week, Jess allows us to choose which products to use and when to use them. In this “market-style CSA”, members begin a discounted debit account with the farm, and pick-up their choice of produce from the Chickadee Creek tent at the farmers market using their account credit. This style allows minimal food waste and maximal flexibility in choosing the composition of a share of produce, fruits and flowers. Chickadee Creek can be found at seven local farmers markets during the season for added convenience., Ms. Byers makes an excellent case for joining a CSA ~ supporting farmers, saving money and eating better. Jess and crew take it even further by adding convenience and choice of products., Terri Riley, Titusville