agriculture supported communities
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©2012 Rodale Institute
Agriculture Supported Communities
Cynthia JamesFood Production SpecialistRodale Institute
cynthia.james@rodaleinstitute.org610-683-1439
©2012 Rodale Institute
What is Rodale Institute?
©2012 Rodale Institute
What is organic? Organic is a way of gardening and farming that mimics natural systems.
©2012 Rodale Institute
What is organic?
Organic is:
Grown with “tried-and-true” biological methods that rely on beneficial microbes.
Growers use compost, crop rotations and cover crops instead of chemical additives.
Certified organic meat, eggs and dairy come from animals with 100% organic feeds and access to the great outdoors.
©2012 Rodale Institute
Conventional Ag = Thoroughbred
©2012 Rodale Institute
Organic Ag = Draft horse
©2012 Rodale Institute
Organic farming has the strength to not
only feed the world, but to feed the world
well.
Organic is the answer
©2012 Rodale Institute
A unique twist on CSA…
Members receive a seasonal “share” of produce each week that can be picked
up at a local community site.
Pay-as-you-go from week to week instead of paying hundreds of dollars for
the whole season up front.
Agriculture Supported Communities
©2012 Rodale Institute
Agriculture Supported Communities
Fresh, locally-grown organic produce at affordable prices!
©2012 Rodale Institute
Members can choose between $10, $15 or $25 share size.
A share consists of 1-2 bags of fresh organic produce each week containing a diverse rainbow of flavors that can include vegetables and herbs.
Additional items are available at pick-up sites for an extra fee, such as flowers, apple cider, eggs and more.
The typical season runs from June – November.
Agriculture Supported Communities
How does it work?
©2012 Rodale Institute
Agriculture Supported Communities
Pay-as-you-go
Commitment statement
Pay at the site, minimum one week at a time
Cash, credit card, SNAP!
©2012 Rodale Institute
Agriculture Supported Communities
ASC at Rodale Institute
Four community pick-up sites
155 members in pilot year
Growing on a total of four acres
55 different crops and more than 85 varieties
©2012 Rodale Institute
Training grounds for future farmers.
Eight interns this season learning every aspect of starting up, maintaining and running a small organic grower’s business.
Everything from organic growing techniques to garden planning and soil health, greenhouse growing, straw bale gardening, using the right tools and machinery.
Setting up the business—writing a business plan, marketing the program, establishing community relationships, providing nutrition education and solidifying partnerships.
Agriculture Supported Communities
Feeding communities, growing new farmers…
©2012 Rodale Institute
©2012 Rodale Institute
Interns will go back to their communities to start their own ASC businesses increasing job opportunities and availability of fresh organic produce in communities with low-access.
Shareholders not only get good food, but are also supporting organic agriculture, the web of local food systems, and community health.
Agriculture Supported Communities
THE GOAL:
©2012 Rodale Institute
Urban Growing Technique
A solution for poor soil and small spaces
Less expensive than raised beds
Plant earlier in the season
Two-season growing medium and no waste; use the straw for soil-building or mulch
Grow anything anywhere!
Straw Bale Gardens
©2012 Rodale Institute
©2012 Rodale Institute
©2012 Rodale Institute
©2012 Rodale Institute
Urban Growing Technique
Straw Bale Gardens: How To
Pick a site with easy access to water and set up your bales.
Soak bales completely with water.
Let sit for 7-10 days, giving bales time to heat up and then cool down.
Cut a hole in the bale big enough for transplant root ball.
Fill hole with compost and insert plant.
Make sure bales get watered at least once a day. NOTE: Bales do dry out more quickly than planting in the ground.
©2012 Rodale Institute
Share your knowledge…
Create an active food community
Build a sustainable business
Revitalize the local economy
Get your hands dirty!
Cynthia.james@rodaleinstitute.org
610-683-1439
Agriculture Supporting YOUR Communities
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