Middlefield – Cold-hardy plants are already in the ground at the 10 farms owned by the farmers of Geauga Family Farms. GFF is a co-op of 10 farmers who grow certified-organic produce for their community supported agriculture (CSA) program.
CSA members pay up front for the weekly box of produce, or share, they receive weekly for 20 weeks from June to October. This allows the farmers to buy seeds and pay for any labor needed to get the crops in the ground. In return, members enjoy truly fresh, locally grown vegetables.
Members choose from three sizes of shares that can be picked up weekly atHealthya GFF farm on Bundysburg Road in Middlefield.
The farmers harvest the vegetables, pack them in boxes, and have them ready for pickup within 24 hours. Simply choose a share size, and in early June members start receiving veggies – lettuces, green onions, and radishes will start off the season. In midsummer members see tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, beans, potatoes and melons in their shares, with cabbage and squash in the fall.
Many farms mean a wider variety. This region is able to produce an amazing array of vegetables. GFF farms grow more than 50 types of vegetables, and multiple varieties of many of them.
Participating in a CSA program encourages members to try new vegetables. Members talk about how participating in a CSA has taught them to eat new and different things and changed how they eat for the better.
There has been much discussion of GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, lately. GMOs are plants whose genetic material has been altered to withstand direct application of herbicide. GFF farmers are committed to the stewardship of earth’s resources, and since each of the GFF farmers grows certified-organic vegetables, you won’t find any GMO food in your share.
GFF also offers eggs, maple syrup, honey, baked goods and more. Members have access to chicken, turkey and grass-fed beef as well.
Other sites are in Cleveland Heights, downtown, Kirtland, Lakewood, Lyndhurst, Macedonia, Mentor, Painesville, Parma, Seven Hills, Shaker, Solon, Willoughby Hills and the Beachwood area.
Sign up for your share by May 15. For more info, visit www.geaugafamilyfarms.org or contact Laura Dobson at 440-478-9849, LDobson@geaugafamilyfarms.org.
