Agriculture Supported Communities

Agriculture Supported Communities

Cynthia James
Food Production Specialist
Rodale Institute
cynthia.james@rodaleinstitute.org
610-683-1439
©2012 Rodale Institute

What is Rodale Institute?


What is organic?
Organic is a way of gardening and farming that mimics natural systems.


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.


Conventional Ag = Thoroughbred


Organic Ag = Draft horse


Organic is the answer

Organic farming has
the strength to not
only feed the world,
but to feed the world
well.



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.



Fresh, locally-grown organic
produce at affordable prices!


How does it work?
 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.


Pay-as-you-go

 Commitment statement

 Pay at the site, minimum one
week at a time

 Cash, credit card, SNAP!



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



Feeding communities, growing new farmers…
 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.


THE GOAL:
 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.


Urban Growing Technique

Straw Bale Gardens
 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!


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.

Agriculture Supporting YOUR Communities

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 Supported Communities

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