Community-Supported Agriculture

Fulton Farm Community-Supported Agriculture is a project of the Fulton Center for Sustainable Living at Wilson College. As an educational laboratory for the college Department of Environmental Studies, our purpose is to educate Wilson Students and the local community in sustainable food production and land stewardship.

We are a working farm from seven acres of cultivated land, on which we raise more than 200 different varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Certified naturally grown produce is raised without chemicals and with an emphasis on soil conservation and minimal energy inputs. Visit the Certified Naturally Grown website for more on our growing practices.

Community Supported Agriculture Membership

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Membership is open to anyone. Members contribute their financial and/or physical support to the farm and in return, receive the following privileges:

• Weekly produce pickup at the farm, featuring a choice selection of seasonal farm produce.
• Access to apples and ciders (in season), pastured beef, chicken, lamb and pork, fair-trade coffee, sustainably produced eggs and cheese, and more.
• Pick-your-own options:  berries, cherry tomatoes, flowers, herbs and seasonal surplus items.
• Member picnics and workshops.
• Regular newsletters and recipes.
• 25% off at the North Square Farmers Market (our booth only).

The Farm

The farm is a beautiful place. Members are encouraged to walk the gardens and enjoy our quiet, interpretive nature trail. Volunteers are welcome to help with harvesting, planting and weeding. CSA pickup is also a nice time to meet your neighbors.

Question & Answer

Is it a good deal?

Yes, because you buy in bulk plus, our produce is picked fresh for you, right out of the garden.

Do you sell elsewhere?

Yes. CSA shares cover 75% of farm expenses. To make up the rest, we plant extra crops for the College dining hall and the North Square Farmers Market. However, in the event of a shortage, CSA members come first.

What sort of produce will I get?

We like to focus on well-known vegetables, but also introduce members to unique culinary delights. Volume and variety vary with the season, but you can expect:

• Spring: Low volume - cool season greens, radish, spinach, spring onions.
• Late spring: Carrots, peas, berries, cabbage, beets.
• Summer: High volume - tomatoes, beans, melons, cucumbers, summer squash, garlic.
• Fall: Winter squash, potatoes, onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, greens.

We provide lettuce and salad items throughout the season (weather permitting). Produce is always fresh!

How does it work?

Members pick up produce at our barn weekly or biweekly. Your share is harvested and washed for you. Extra produce (berries, flowers, beans, tomatoes, herbs) is free for the picking in our Pick-Your-Own (PYO) garden seven days a week. Choose a share option and pickup day that works for you. Fill out the application, then send a deposit or pay in full.

Other activities?

We offer cooking classes, speakers, farm tours and more. We’d love to have members initiate and help organize community events on the farm.  Bring us your ideas and we’ll work with you to make them happen.

Community Features

• Historic barn: Vegetables will be distributed from our beautifully restored 19th-century barn.
• Pick your own options: We harvest your regular weekly share for you. Additional items such as berries, flowers and specialty tomatoes will be offered on a pick-your-own basis.
• Sustainable living workshops: We host occasional workshops and discussions on diverse “green living” skills, such as alternative energy, gardening and composting. We  keep members informed of local sustainability and food-related events and activities happening in our area.
• Community Supported Agriculture celebrations: Join us for potluck suppers, barn movies and an end-of-year harvest event.  These are great ways to get to know other people involved in the farm.

Share Options

May through mid-November (28 to 30 weeks)*

Standard Share: For two to four people who eat vegetables on a regular basis. (Friends are welcome to split the standard share on their own.)

Small Share: For one person or for couples who eat away from home frequently. Pick up standard share every other week. (Friends are also welcome to split the standard share on their own.)

Summer Shares, June through September (15 weeks)*

Standard Share: Same as standard share, above. Takes advantage of peak season volume.

Summer/Fall Shares, June through mid-November (25 weeks)*

Standard Share: Same as standard share, but starts in June.

*Exact starting and ending dates will be determined based on produce availability, which depends on weather and other growing conditions.

Paying in Installments

Members who cannot pay the full share price up front are welcome to pay in monthly installments. Contact FCSL Program Director Chris Mayer to learn more.

Discounted Shared Options

Vacation Option

Members who will be out of town for four weeks or more can apply for a pro-rated share or refund. Absent members should notify the farm at least two weeks ahead of time to qualify for credits. Members who join mid-season will also pay a prorated share price.

Working Member Option

Members who are able commit their time to helping with farm labor can receive a discounted share. Get hands-on experience growing your own food. Minimum commitment is six hours for $50 discount. Larger discounts may be allowed with experience. We encourage you to give this a try - we need the help! Volunteers are also welcome.

Scholarship Share

In an effort to make our CSA accessible to all, we now offer a scholarship share. Anyone in need of financial assistance is encouraged to apply. Recipients will be kept confidential. To apply for assistance, please contact the farmers. Fulton Farm has pledged $550 to begin the scholarship fund. Additional funds will come from tax deductible member contributions