Have you heard of the term “CSA” and wondered what it was? Well if you love supporting our local farm community and love fresh produce/meats—then a CSA is for you!
CSA: Community Supported Agriculture is a way to get farm-fresh produce (sometimes dairy, meat, eggs, flowers) while supporting the local farmer. How does it work? You pay for your “share” up front then you pick up your freshly picked produce or meat once a week at a specific time and location. Along with produce– some CSAs exist specifically for eggs, meat, dairy products etc. or the traditional produce CSA will offer these products as well.
There are many advantages to both the farmer and the consumer! The farmer receives income before the season starts so they can solely focus on harvesting during the busy time period. The early income also provides cash flow that is much needed at the beginning of the season. A great relationship forms between the farmer and the consumer that many farmers would not experience in a traditional farming environment.
CSA members also reap the benefits of this program with incredibly fresh food (often picked the same day!) and an exposure to new and different vegetables. The items in the box are chosen by the farmer based upon what is available to be picked, often with unique options many consumers have not tried before. The farmers often hold special events where members can visit the farm and see exactly where their produce grows. Kids especially enjoy this and often will try out the new produce specifically because they see where it was grown and have met the farmer!
Now that you know WHAT a CSA means—see below for local CSAs in our Clarksville community!
TENNESSEE GRASS FED / www.tennesseegrassfed.com
Pick Up locations:
Wednesday: after noon at Sango Pharmacy, Montgomery Co. Farmers Co-Op, Pleasant View Mill
Thursday: after noon Tennessee Grass Fed Farm
Tennessee Grass Fed, a local farm since 1837, offers many options for meat lovers. Not a traditional CSA, Tennessee Grass Fed provides top quality beef, pork, and poultry products delivered to locations around Clarksville. They even offer home delivery for orders of $250 or higher. With an array of products including sausages, ribs, shoulders, and ground beef—it’s a unique opportunity to get grass-fed and sustainable meat local to us. Expanding upon just meat products- Tennessee Grass Fed currently offers local treats such as pickles, honey, seasoning, and sauces. They have a multitude of pick-up locations (even into Nashville) and include Sango Pharmacy, Tennessee Grass Fed Store, Montgomery County Farmers Co-Op, and Pleasant View Mill.
IRON AND ELDER FARM / www.ironandelderfarm.com
Pick Up locations:
Tuesday: 3-5pm Iron and Elder Farm on Sango Rd.
Wednesday: 3-6pm Sango Pharmacy
Iron and Elder Farm, a new farm with a strong history of great community service, offers a CSA of fresh produce Summer through Fall. Each box has approximately 7-10 different items and contains items such as radishes, lettuce, kale, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli etc depending on the season. Unique vegetables not present at the grocery store represents one fun aspect of Iron and Elder Farm’s CSA! Vegetables such as hakurei turnips and kohlrabi could be a special treat you receive! Their share for 25 boxes throughout the summer and fall season is $650 and they offer a payment plan. In addition to vegetables, every week you have the opportunity to add eggs and meat to your CSA for an additional price. Two pick up locations exist: Sango Pharmacy and their farm.
Both of these great options will also be at the Clarksville Downtown Market every Saturday from May 14- October 1, 2002 from 8am- Noon. Take advantage of fresh, local produce, meats, and fun items right at our fingertips in Clarksville while also supporting and getting to know the farmers that grow them!
