Yesterday I learned via Twitter (thanks @eatboston!) that a large farm share in the Boston area had been canceled. Knowing the struggles that Steve and Parker Farm had been going through, I immediately started hoping and praying it wasn’t them. Alas, Steve has had to suspend the CSA portion of his farm. A post on Facebook says this:
“Due to the unprecedented poor growing conditions of the 2009 season,which has caused enormous crop losses and is putting the future of the farm in grave danger,I am forced to suspend CSA drop offs for the balance of the season.I will be issuing refunds in the form of vouchers that can be redeemed at the stand at the various farmers markets I attend during the 2010 season.”
A follow up posts suggests that Steve might be trying to work something out for a final delivery, but nothing’s been finalized yet.
It’s a sad situation and my heart breaks for Steve and the rest of the crew at Parker Farm. They worked through awful conditions and suffered the loss of so many of their crops. What did survive brought so much joy and many, many new, good and creative meals to my little apartment.
Like many have said on Facebook and in other forums, I don’t want a refund. That’s not the point of a CSA, short for Community Supported Agriculture. You take the good with the bad. This was a bad year and we all suffer the loss. But hopefully, it’s our subscription fees for the CSA that help the farm survive through the lean seasons.
The fall harvest is just starting to ramp up, so please get out there and support your local farmer’s market. Not sure where the nearest farmer’s market is? Check LocalHarvest.org for a full listing.
Interested in participating in a CSA? Sign ups start soon for the 2010 season and, again, LocalHarvest.org is a great resource for finding either a farm near you or a drop off point if you’re in a city.
Your support matters.
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