The conference will offer interactive workshops, expert trouble-shooting advice, intensive seminars, and the opportunity to learn and share with nearly 400 other people interested in Community Supported Agriculture. Designed to help strengthen existing CSAs and help new ones get off to the right start, the program will provide a broad range of educational and networking opportunities for farmers, farm apprentices, CSA members, educators, and representatives of non-profit and government agencies. The conference will also include trade show and display areas, youth programs, music, dancing, theater, and seasonal, regional food. Frost Valley, about 2.5 hours from the George Washington Bridge and two hours from Albany, offers a variety of accomodations, including economical bunk, family and inn-style lodging. CSA is a relationship of shared risk and decision making between consumers and farmers.
Consumers invest in a farm operation by paying in advance for a weekly share of the harvest.
In return, they receive a steady supply of high-quality, nutritious food at an affordable price from someone they know. Farmers benefit from an assured market and infusion of cash at planting time, rather than at harvest. It is one of the most rapidly growing alternatives for small farmers, and an important tool for regenerating agriculture in the Northeast and elsewhere in the United States. Other project participants include the Robyn Van En Center at Wilson College, Just Food, Cornell University, and the University of Massachusetts. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.