CSAs - Bringing the Farm to the 'Burbs

What do you get when you cross a retired child psychologist, a slightly chubby dog, and nine acres of land in the middle of the desert?  You get Tonopah Rob's Community Supported Agriculture farm of course!

Michelle and I have long been fans of farmers' markets and we've been reading up on CSAs for a while now.  With the move to Phoenix, we finally had our chance to check one out in person.  

"What is a CSA farm", you ask?  Of course, how silly of me.  A CSA farm is basically a co-op, but you don't have to get your fingernails dirty.  These small farms grow a variety of local crops in small quantities.  They are funded through the sale of "shares" into the farm.  As a shareholder, you provide the up-front cost for planting and growing and, come harvest, you get your return in the form of fabulous, fresh, local produce.  Each farm operates a little differently when you get into specifics, but that's the idea. 

If you're someone who is concerned about where your food comes from, or even if you're just a "support small business" kind of person, this is a fabulous opportunity.  

On with the story...

We headed out early, since it's August and the Sonoran Desert gets a little - well - sporty after about
10am.  A twenty mile drive out west to Tonopah later and we pulled up to a little house with a farm stand out front.  A sunburned face wearing a straw hat greeted us as we walked up, none other than Tonopah Rob himself.  His dog, Deenie, also formed part of the welcoming committee.  

We introduced ourselves and Rob shook our hand and took us on a tour.  Chickens and turkeys wandered about, altogether disinterested in our presence.  Rob warned us to watch for snakes.  Deenie didn't seem too concerned about them, though, so we walked bravely on. 

As he walked us around, he explained his methods and philosophy toward farming.  You could see the pride beaming in his face as he spoke.  Pairing plants in beds so that scents and oils from one naturally repelled pests from their neighbor.  Keeping bee hives all around the property to promote pollination.  Rotating crops from year to year to replenish nutrients in the soil.  And even innovative ways to conserve water in a challenging environment.  Oh - and his little John Deere tractor he lovingly refers to as "Booger".

Bucolic charm aside, this was one heck of an operation.  After the tour, we happily signed up for our share for the fall/winter growing season.   Many CSAs have a "basket program" where each period you have to come pick up your pre-packaged basket of goods.  Tonopah Rob has a more customer-friendly business model.  We spend our share credit at the stand just like a cash customer.  If you don't use it up, the credit is gone at the end of the season (but seriously, as many veggies as we eat, blowing through $250 in a season isn't going to be a problem).  

So, you get to directly support a local business, procure the freshest local produce, and really see where your food comes from.  Plus, the pre-paid investment is a great way to motivate you to buy and try more veggies if you're one of those who needs a little "encouragement".  Where's the down-side here?

Check out the Local Harvest website and quick search online to see if there is a CSA farm in your area and check it out.  Make it a field trip.  I don't think you'll regret it.  And if you ever find yourself westbound on Interstate 10 west of Phoenix, drop by and visit Rob.  Tell him we sent you.