The Main Season is Over

Thanks to John the farmer, his delivery guy, the SICOs, and to everyone who bought shares and worked to distribute the vegetables.

Lenny says, "Please send me your comments or suggestions about the SICSA season. It will help us plan next year. We will have a planning meeting in January. I'll send out a notice to you all. All of you interested in being involved in the SICSA 2010 are welcome."

Wood Chips Still Available at Christ Church

Christ Church had some branches trimmed and some dead trees removed, and County Tree Care left us the wood chips. They're raw, so they're not good for mulch yet, but you can use them for paths and compost starters.

Take as much as you like, whenever you like--the pile is at the entrance to the parking lot on Fillmore St.

What is Staten Island Community Supported Agriculture?

Staten Island Community Supported Agriculture is a group of Staten Islanders who buy shares in a farmer's vegetable and fruit crop for the growing season. We support Starbrite Farm and John Krueger, the farmer, and share the risks and benefits of food production with him.

There are dozens of other community-supported agriculture (CSA) groups in the New York metropolitan area, all coordinated by Just Food. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm or garden pay for a share in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production.

Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. However, by direct sales to community members who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.

Another benefit of the program is that farmers can continue to make a living on their land and pass their farms to their chilcren rather than be forced to sell to developers to pay for retirement. CSAs, therefore, help maintain open land near metropolitan areas. They also reduce members' reliance on vegetables and fruit trucked across the U.S. and from other countries.