Why a CSA using six farms?  Why not do it ourselves?

It took me one season to realize that we did not have the land (Although we are farming almost every inch of 30 acres and looking for more land.) nor the equipment to grow what we needed to be competitive.

I also saw local farms that did a few products well such as corn and organic greens but did not have enough markets for their products and so under-produced.  Some small local growers wanted to farm on a few acres but needed a buyer that would provide a fair price.  More and more I heard that local “amateur farmers” really liked to grow certain things but disliked others.  “I like to grow greens, but hate growing beans.”  Everyone has their skill set.

I started a partnership with these “gardeners” in Dartmouth and Westport that are near our little village of Russells Mills and found that this worked well for everyone!  Farmers are making a living wage because we are providing a lucrative market for them.  When people make more money they can continue to farm.  We in turn have great fresh, local produce and stimulate the agricultural economy in the Dartmouth and Westport area.

Because of this approach, more land is farmed, more income is generated, less farmland is sold for non-agricultural purposes and we all do better.  One of the farmers we work with has dramatically increased the acreage he cultivates now that we buy 40% of his sweet corn crop.  He is selling more than ever, and has a big smile on his face.

I grew up in Dartmouth and believe that the southwestern section is one of the most beautiful areas of the country.  I am really happy our farm is doing our part to preserve that beauty.  I have figured that we are utilizing a several hundred acres of local farm land for our farmers markets and the CSA.  That makes me very happy!