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2006-2007 Photos
Some of you have been with us since we started in 1997 -- we
were the first CSA in Erie County -- others have been with us a year or
more. You may be learning about us for the first time. We are Stewart (although
most people call me Stew) and Deb Ritchie. We farm ecologically with our three
children. We are a cooperative operating under the
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, reconnecting the community with
its food source, the local farmer. Providing an alternative to agribusiness,
consumers (shareholders, etc.) know exactly where and how their food is grown.
We do not exist solely to sell vegetables. One of the greatest
rewards of operating your own business is creativity. You can apply your ideas
and your values to your business. Beyond the community that arises out of a CSA,
we try to encourage and support other ecologically friendly businesses. From
other ecological and low-spray farms we purchase fruit, seeds, hay, honey, butter,
grain, potting mix, eggs, meat, and maple syrup. The advantage of this is that
shareholders have access to other high quality local products and other local
farms are supported. We can not produce everything we sell. We do not have the
time, the knowledge, or the financial resources to do so. By cooperating with
others we can specialize and focus on what we love to do, which is what we have
a passion for and we do best. The end result of cooperation is a stronger
farming community. We need each other. It is difficult to farm without the farm
support system. This includes having parts, feed, equipment, and other
agriculture suppliers close by. It includes being able to share, custom hire,
and borrow equipment. There is also the priceless value of good advice and
friendship.
Why we charge what we do In a sentence our pricing lies between wholesale and
retail. Surveys returned consistently report that people are getting great
value. When you buy a share or a bunch of arugula you are buying more than
vegetables, you are supporting our family. We work very hard to earn a modest
living. The price we receive for our shares makes it sustainable for us to
continue doing what we love. The members are shareholders of the produce we
grow. Without their support we would be unable to farm. By supporting us
you not only get incredibly fresh and great tasting vegetables full of nutrients
and vitality, but a food source you can trust.
- Stewart & Debbie Ritchie
Click HERE for our
2005-2006 Album or click HERE for our
2004-2005 Album. Flash gallery will open in new window.
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