Signups underway for farm fresh products

Potter County consumers looking to buy locally grown vegetables may now sign up for a partnership with local farmers through the Community Sustained Agriculture program.

Now in its third year, CSA is an unqualified success, with growing participation of both growers and buyers. Last year, about 20 growers participated.

It's part of the broader "Food Matrix" organization emphasizing not only agricultural production, but production of consumer products using crops and other locally grown goods.

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

A related project is the Potter County Farmers Market. Products are marketed on weekends at the courthouse square in Coudersport, as well as Galeton.

The same organization promoting CSA and the Farmers Market are also working on a third element, the Commercial Incubator Kitchen. 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.

To learn more contact Joe Bailey at jbailey@food-matrix. org or call 814-274-7827.