Community-supported agriculture is an emerging model for food production that directly connects residents to farmers with fresh produce and meats.
Not only can CSAs be an escape from dreaded trips to the grocery store, but they also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and uplift local farmers through steady demand. Whether you’re looking for fresh veggies, quality meats, customizable produce, or simply strawberries, here are some NoVA options to consider.
Day Spring Farm
Day Spring Farm offers vegetable and meat share programs annually, operating two 25-week seasons: one from May to October and another from November to April. Members with half vegetable shares receive six items per week, whereas those with a full share receive 12 items. An item refers to a unit such as one bag of Swiss chard or a handful of carrots. Meat shareholders receive guaranteed portions of bacon and steaks monthly and can choose their remaining cuts or let the farmer decide. Shareholders can pick up their produce at the farm on Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m., or from the self-serve farm store on- site. 21388 Steptoe Rd., Middleburg, $718 (25-week half vegetable share), $1,400 (25-week full vegetable share), $861 (six-month half meat share), $1,717 (six-month full meat share)
American Meadows Farm
American Meadows uses only local, non-GMO feed for its animals, and this season, it’s offering two subscription tiers. First-tier members receive two whole chickens, 10 pounds of pork, four pounds of lamb, and 30 eggs every month, while second-tier members receive everything from tier one, plus two fresh turkeys in October. Delivery is available within 15 miles of the farm, and members can opt to retrieve their order from the community fridge at Vanish Farmwoods Brewery. 19634 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, $330 (tier one), $390 (tier two) per month
Wegmeyer Farms
Wegmeyer Farms sticks to its specialties: strawberries and pumpkins. The farm offers two subscriptions: the first provides 10 pounds of strawberries per week for five weeks between May and June, while the other offers weekly strawberries and 100 pounds of pumpkins during the fall harvest. Shares can be picked up on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the season from two locations. 38299 Hughesville Rd., Hamilton; 39958 John Mosby Hwy., Aldie, $250 (strawberries), $325 (strawberries and pumpkins)
Potomac Vegetable Farms
This organic farm operates its CSA in a cooperative partnership with over 10 farms throughout Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. As a result, it offers a wide variety of seasonal vegetable subscriptions that run weekly from May through November. Members can pick up their produce from two farm locations in Vienna and Purcellville or arrange for pick-up at a farmers’ market. Details for the upcoming 2024 season have yet to be released, so be sure to mark your calendars: shares will be available starting February 1. 9627 Leesburg Pk., Vienna; 38369 John Wolford Rd., Purcellville, starting at $360
Gathering Springs Farm
Now in its sixth CSA season, this Middleburg farm offers a 20-week vegetable program that provides shareholders with seven to eight items per week from June through October. Á la carte add-ons are available for more variety, such as weekly fresh eggs, sourdough bread, cheese, and artisanal mushrooms. Pick-up is available at the farm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as several local farmers’ markets. 22022 Sam Fred Rd., Middleburg, $680 for 20 weeks
Second Spring Farm
If you love planning meals around what is available at the farmers’ market, this CSA may be perfect for you. It runs from June to early October, and shareholders receive six to eight vegetable items per week. Produce can be picked up at the farm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays or at a handful of local markets. 38205 John Wolford Rd., Purcellville, $489
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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