CSA farms are the way to go

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms offer a great way to get local organic vegetables for your family, support local farmers, support sustainable farming practices, protect local farmland, reconnect with the land and begin to rebuild our local food system. CSA farms operate by selling shares of their seasonal harvest. A share provides members with a weekly portion of what the farm produces — typically enough for a family of four. If you join a CSA close to home you will also enjoy the added benefit of weekly farm visits, where you can pick up your produce directly from the farmers, walk the land, meet your neighbors and let your kids experience where their food comes from. Seeing my 1½-year-old sons’ surprise at pulling a ripe carrot — ready to eat — right out of the ground was a pure joy.

April 7, 2009 2:45 pm

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms offer a great way to get local organic vegetables for your family, support local farmers, support sustainable farming practices, protect local farmland, reconnect with the land and begin to rebuild our local food system. CSA farms operate by selling shares of their seasonal harvest. A share provides members with a weekly portion of what the farm produces — typically enough for a family of four. If you join a CSA close to home you will also enjoy the added benefit of weekly farm visits, where you can pick up your produce directly from the farmers, walk the land, meet your neighbors and let your kids experience where their food comes from. Seeing my 1½-year-old sons’ surprise at pulling a ripe carrot — ready to eat — right out of the ground was a pure joy.

As Bothellites, we are lucky to live in the Sammamish River Valley, one of the most fertile valleys in the state. Opportunity abounds just a few miles from our homes to connect with the land, farmers and the food we eat. The Root Connection CSA and 21 Acres are two CSA farms located within five miles of downtown Bothell. If a five-month monetary and/or gastronomical commitment to a weekly share of vegetables is not possible, there are several farms in the valley with u-pick fruits and vegetables and produce stands offering fresh local food almost daily during the growing season.

Here are some Sammamish River Valley farm resources:

• www.rootconnection.com

• www.21acres.org

• www.south47farm.com

• www.sammamishvalleyalliance.org

Continue this discussion and get involved in growing a more sustainable community by joining your neighbors at the next Sustainable Bothell gathering the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

For information, visit www.sustainablebothell.org.

Tyson Kemper is the leader gardener at the University of Washington, Bothell/Cascadia Community College. He can be reached at (206) 391-9440, (425) 352-5469 or tkemper@uwb.edu.