Agriculture Supported Communities

©2012 Rodale Institute

Agriculture Supported Communities

Cynthia JamesFood Production SpecialistRodale Institute

[email protected]


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 farming has the strength to not

only feed the world, but to feed the world

well.

Organic is the answer


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!


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.


How does it work?



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


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.


Feeding communities, growing new farmers…


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.


THE GOAL:


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


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.


Share your knowledge…

Create an active food community

Build a sustainable business

Revitalize the local economy

Get your hands dirty!

[email protected]

610-683-1439

Agriculture Supporting YOUR Communities

Agriculture Supported Communities

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