The best of all worlds
By: Dan D (Apr 20, 2009)
What makes a great CSA? First, it's the farmer. Farmer John, who runs Heirloom Harvest is a top-notch farmer, with years of experience in organics, but even more importantly, he has the communications skills to help everyone feel part of a community. You can learn, engage, work, and grow your gardening skills in a supportive community. Second, it's about the product. I don't need to stress more, as you probably already know that the CSA model is one that benefits both the farmers and the shareholders. To have locally-grown and organic produce, to have a hand in growing and harvesting, to be able to touch the soil and follow crops from seed to feed, and to be part of something that matters. All are great. The location of Heirloom is perfect. From the horses at the entrance to the rolling fields in central New England. Right behind the community gardens and sharing land from the church make for an ideal location. Third: the intangibles. Yes you will meet granola-heads (no offense, I'm one), and white-collar gardeners (guilty again). I can't imagine how many times Farmer John and Erik get asked the same questions. But they are kind-hearted and respond as if it was the first time it was ever asked. People come to CSAs for different reasons and with different belief systems. I believe it's the diversity of the community that makes it most effective. I've belonged to 2 other CSA's in the past and Heirloom is a top tier, well-run, and highly effective CSA. Some of their produce goes to local restaurants that serve organics, some is gathered and carried to co-op groups in the near-Boston suburbs. Much is taken directly by shareholders. Heirloom Harvest has it all: Great farmers, great people, great produce
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