This fall, Tim and I are adding a new program to the farm - our first dahlia CSA! CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is a way farmers and those in the community work together to share in the business and harvest of the land. It’s a wonderful relationship for both the farm and the community.
The concept of CSA began in Japan in 1971 out of a desire of a farmer wanting to change his operation from using conventional chemical fertilizers and pesticides to an organic method, understanding the dangers of the toxic ingredients found in mainstream growing strategies. But, like most farms, cash flow was an issue. Community members, who also believed in the benefits of organic farming, and the farm teamed up: members received a share of the harvest at a great price and the farm received funds for the harvest ahead of planting to get started. The partnership prospered. In 1986 the first CSA opened shop in the United States, in Massachusetts. Farmers and community members all over the world are enriched by this relationship model. It’s one that we are really excited to be joining!
Inspiration to have our first CSA this fall came from recently seeing another farm’s success with this model, how it has made for stronger relationships, and stronger crops. It’s a natural partnership that acknowledges the interconnectedness of farmers and consumers, with each participating in the shared benefit and risk of working the land. CSA members feel proud to support their local farm by investing ahead of the harvest and farmers are fortified to grow well. It is a true partnership that we are so excited to begin.
Our first CSA will focus on the darling dahlia. Dahlias are such a favorite of our patrons that we feel great about beginning a CSA program with this crop. Members of this CSA will help us secure cattle panels for staking the dahlias, an important part of growing strong plants. Since we’ve increased our dahlia operation to 6 rows (!) this year, panels are an important investment needed for the farm. Right now, the rows are being cut back to encourage new growth for fall blooms. We know many will benefit from committing now at a lower cost to receive rich bundles of this gorgeous flower!
How our dahlia CSA works is that members pre-order now at $100 to receive 4 weeks of pick-of-the-crop dahlia bundles in the fall. Then, beginning with our first harvest on September 8th, members pick up their bundle every other week through October 20th. Pick-up is here on the farm on Thursdays, any time from 1-5pm.
Four premium dahlia bundles at that cost is unheard of, but that’s the benefit of being a CSA partner! Members share in the risk of farming, understanding harvests are not guaranteed due to things out of the farmer’s control (like weather), but also share in the reward of receiving goods they would purchase anyway, but at a lower cost. Plus, members enjoy the added benefit of supporting and knowing the people growing the agriculture they depend on.
While on the farm to pick up their dahlia bundle, CSA members will have the opportunity to walk the garden paths, take beautiful photos in the flower fields, and enjoy the birds. You can see the cattle panels you funded, the dahlias they help grow, and chat with us a bit, if you like. Some might even catch a glimpse of our resident farm cats, Wally and Sammy, who are frequently seen lazing in the cooled barn flower shop, where your dahlias will be freshly harvested and ready for pick-up.
There’s so much about sharing this with you that makes us happy. We’re thrilled about beginning this CSA. Thank you to our community members for being the best part of Hawk and Sparrow Flowers. We have so much to look forward to!
See you soon,
Lis & Tim
Pre-order on our shop page (click here for direct link) to secure your place as one of our valued CSA partners to receive wonderful dahlias and get to know your local flower farmers a little more.
Below are dahlia rows being cut back to encourage new growth for fall blooms.
