Ed Wengryn Secretary of Agriculture | State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Ed Wengryn Secretary of Agriculture | State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn emphasized the significance of National CSA Week with a visit to Chickadee Creek Farm in Mercer County. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs allow customers to prepay for a season's worth of produce, meat, eggs, or other products. This arrangement provides farmers with necessary working capital for the growing season while ensuring consumers receive locally produced goods during harvest.
"CSAs are an important part of our local food system," stated Secretary Wengryn. "It is this true partnership between the farmer and the consumer that permits the farmer to plan planting and harvest cycles knowing there are consumers that have invested in the farm and who will benefit from the harvest."
The CSA Innovation Network notes that February 16-22 is marked as CSA Week, which is typically when most people join CSAs each year.
Chickadee Creek Farm, located in Hopewell Township, is owned by Jess Niederer and operates on 80 acres of USDA Certified Organic farmland. The farm offers a customizable farm membership CSA and a farm-to-workplace membership that delivers fresh produce to work locations. The operation grows produce year-round, featuring leafy greens in winter and various fruits and vegetables during summer and fall.
"The CSA is an important aspect of what we do here on our farm," said Niederer, who was recognized as a National Outstanding Young Farmer in 2016. "More and more people want to know where their food comes from and care that it is safe and clean. When they pick up their produce from the farmers markets or from the farm, it is always a great opportunity to talk with our customers to make sure their needs are being met."
Chickadee Creek’s memberships are currently open for enrollment at their website. During winter months, they participate in several local markets including Pennington, Princeton, Denville, West Windsor, and Morris markets.
For those interested in finding nearby CSAs throughout New Jersey, visit www.findjerseyfresh.com.
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