There's still time to sign up for fresh produce

Consumers looking to buy locally grown vegetables still have time to sign a partnership with local farmers through the Community Sustained Agriculture program.

CSA provides consumers with a variety of fresh, chemical-free produce, while guaranteeing local farmers a market for their products.

Farmers and buyers become partners. CSA guarantees the farmer financial support, helping the smaller and moderate-sized organic family farms to remain in business. It also brings the consumer wholesome foods harvested at the peak of their ripeness, flavor, and vitamin and mineral content.

Basket contents change as the growing season evolves. Each week throughout the season - usually about 22 weeks, stretching into October - CSA buyers receive a basket filled with farm-fresh items. A full-share subscription is based on the estimated needs of a family of four and averages $30 per week. A half-share, suitable for a family of two, averages $20 per week.

Also available separately are local baked goods, jams and jellies, pickles, relishes, sauces and eggs.

This year, at least 16 growers are registered and buyers are signing up. Additional information is available from the Potter County Education Council in Coudersport; telephone 274-4877.

A related project is the Potter County Farmers Market, which expects to build on its best-ever year in 2006. Products are marketed on weekends at the courthouse square in Coudersport, as well as locations in Galeton and Genesee. Several Amish families who have relocated to Potter County have joined the Farmers Market, featuring goods traditionally associated with southeastern Pennsylvania.

The same organizations promoting CSA and the Farmers' Market are also working on a third element, the Commercial Incubator Kitchen. Together, they're calling their project the "Food Matrix."

Supporters envision a community facility where producers can prepare jams and jellies, maple syrup, cherry butter, herb mixes, baked goods and homemade soap. Sellers would receive assistance to meet state regulations for packaging, labeling, quality testing, safety, content and processing.

Agriculture promoters in Potter County are also looking into opportunities for national and even international marketing. They plan to tie in their efforts with the Pa. Lumber Heritage Region and Pennsylvania Wilds tourist promotions to market locally produced merchandise, such as woodcrafts.

Among other possible projects: corn mazes, an herb farm tour, pick-your own farms, dairy farm tours, demonstration gardens and pilot projects for "green" energy production.