Blog Post

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs blossomed in a post-Green Revolution world. The Green Revolution is a model of farming that employs highly industrialized methods, a heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and removes the farmer from the farm while reducing the crop down to a profit margin that fits neatly on a spreadsheet. While born out of an idea to help solve the hunger crisis in America and throughout the world, this industrial approach to farming has had many drastic and dangerous effects on most of our modern ways of living. From the way we eat, what we eat, and how much we eat, we can trace many of our chronic health conditions (both in our bodies and on our planet) back to this big-business approach to growing our food. In response to the loss of farmland, as well as the dramatic increase in herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer use that was a direct result of the Green Revolution growing practices, the CSA model was born in Japan in the late 1960s, developed and employed by a group of women who were concerned for their land, their health, and their ways of life. 

What is a CSA? 

CSA programs are part of a production model for small farms. They help give small farms an idea of how much to grow and expand before the season even starts. In these programs, consumers buy shares of a farm’s harvest in advance. This is basically an agreement made between the farmer and the consumer that means we're in this together - which is my favorite concept behind the CSA model. I love that the consumer assumes the risk of the growing season with the farmer - there for the high times (tomato season) and the low (that in-between seasons phase). This is the very definition of community and support.  Consumers sign up and pay for their produce up front, typically before the season starts, which helps the farmer buy seeds and other inputs (amendments, tools, compost, labor, bags, stickers, boxes, refrigerators, etc.) needed for the season and provides the farmer with an immediate income to begin the season.  In return for their membership fee, CSA members receive a variety of the freshest produce, eggs, and meat every week. Food that is grown in your own backyard, using minimal inputs and driven minimal distances,  allows for maximum nutrient content. There really is no comparison between local produce that's grown right here in the soil I can touch with my hands, and imported chain grocery store produce. Real food from real soil is healthcare. CSA members, as a whole, eat healthier and more sustainably all while being able to boast about knowing exactly where their food comes from and how it's grown. 

Our CSA: 

• You will receive a re-useable bag to bring each week to pick up your share.
• Chickahominy Falls Residents receive a 5% discount
• Sign up online OR in person at our Farm Stands
• CSA members receive 5% off additional produce and flower bouquets at weekly Farm Stands
• You can apply your CSA discount to eggs, meat, spices, and Woodside Farms merchandise. 
• Since we offer a market-style CSA, you can skip the items you don't like and choose more of your favorites. Produce is first come, first serve at the market and some items may be limited due to their availability.

Our Summer CSA season starts on Friday, July 15th, and goes through September 8th. 

Half Share | 8-10 items per week | $225 ($25 per week)

Whole Share | 10-12 items per week | $315 ($35 per week)

Pick Up Details: 

While the self-serve aspect of our farmstand means you can and should shop on your own schedule, our walk-in coolers are restocked every Friday at 4 pm and are best through Tuesdays at 5 pm. Based on our harvest schedule, Wednesdays and Thursdays will have the least variety. 

 When finished shopping, you just ring yourself up at the checkout and apply a CSA discount based on your share size. 

Our Summer Staffed Check-Out Hours:

Friday: 4 pm - 6 pm

Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm

Monday: 2 pm - 5 pm

Tuesday: 2 pm - 5 pm

For more information on Woodside Farms, located in our Chickahominy Falls community in Hanover County, contact us today.