BY ANNE LEHMANN
F
Bounty of the season at Verrill Farm
Farming has been an institution in Concord and Carlisle for centuries. As early as 1775, Concord was a busy hub of trade partly because of its access to Boston but also given the topography of land and climate agreeable to farming. This tradition continues today, with approximately 812 acres of working farmland between the two towns. Community supported agriculture (CSA) is an integral part of these farms, ensuring the farmers a sustainable source of funding and providing residents with fresh, healthy produce spring through fall. In a CSA, residents purchase a ‘subscription’ for produce or other farm products that can then be picked up as they are harvested. CSAs are very popular in the Concord area and tend to sell out quickly. Jen Verrill of Verrill Farm noted that they have three types of CSA plans; a full (weekly) CSA share offering 12-20+ items/week, a bi-weekly CSA share, and a speedy CSA 60
Discover CONCORD
| Spring 2021
share providing 8-12 items per week. If you select speedy share you receive a pre-packed bag of produce delivered right to your car for contactless service. In addition, due to COVID restrictions, Verrill Farm is adding a second day for market-style pick up of CSA baskets as well as a second tent for gathering your produce, which will allow for social distancing. Jen mentioned that one of the reasons she enjoys her work is due to the CSA members. She smiles when hearing them share recipes using produce picked up that week or enjoying the chance to see friends, even at a distance. “Pick-up day is my favorite day of the week, not only for the fresh produce but to connect with my good friends.” is a sentiment that Jen overhears often. For more information visit verrillfarm.com. A new twist at Clark Farm is the opportunity to pick your own! Andrew Rodgers, the farm manager, changed how their CSA worked in response to COVID
restrictions. He found that opening the fields to CSA members and extending the hours has many advantages. “I found that members were enjoying the activity of harvesting their share and then lingering to enjoy the vistas, fresh air, and simply being outdoors.” The longer hours afforded many the flexibility to pick early or late depending on their schedules. In addition to the mainstays of produce, Rodgers and his team have ventured into planting some unusual produce which has been a delight to many. Green luobo radish, Mexican sour gherkins, dragon beans, Indian spinach, and bitter melon are just a few items that have brought back childhood foodie memories for some members. They are unearthing recipes and tossing in these hard-to-find ingredients. For hours and additional information go to their website clarkfarmcarlisle.com. Can a farm be a hidden jewel and a mainstay at the same time? Now in its
Courtesy of Verrill Farm
Community Supported Agriculture Thrives
