Farms Share Fresh Produce Directly with Consumers

Are you looking for a way to ensure you have fresh produce all summer long? The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages residents to join a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm.

Here's how it works: CSA members pay an upfront subscription fee in return for a share of the farm's harvest, which is usually provided weekly and delivered to central locations on a specific date for pickup. To find a CSA farm, go to www.MarylandsBest.net.

Bowie Patch reader Sandi Worthman said in an email that she connected with Taylor's Fresh Organics, a certified organic farm in Federalsburg, MD, and they will deliver to Bowie. CSA shares for 20 weeks are available for purchase from Taylor's Fresh Organics for $500 (full) and $275 (half share). Payment must be made in full by April 1.

Shares from Homestead Farm in Millington, MD, are available for pickup at MOM's Organic Market, located at 6824 Race Track Rd. in Bowie, on Tuesdays after 4 p.m., according to the Local Harvest website. CSA shares for 22 weeks are available for purchase from Homestead Farm for $525 (full) and $380 (half share). For more information, call Alison Howard at 410-928-3805.

Claggett Farm, located at 11904 Old Marlboro Pike in Upper Marlboro, offers CSA shares for $515 if picked up at the farm. Note that new members pay an additional $50 their first year only. For information, call 301-627-4662 or send email to clagettfarm@cbf.org.

CSA memberships typically fill up fast, according to a release from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

CORRECTION: The pricing for Taylor's Fresh Organics was corrected to reflect CSA shares are available for $500 (full) and $275 (half share). Patch regrets the error.

Have you ever purchased a share in a farm's harvest? Tell us about your experience in the comments.