During my first summer in Chicago, I became a member of Nichols Farm and Orchard CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). A neighbor had recommended the family run farm as a good option due to their great vibes, sustainable farming practices and the variety and plethora of fruits and veggies that arrive in each box. I used to drive to Evanston, or more realistically, my husband would drive to Evanston and pick up my weekly CSA since I was overly pregnant and chasing a toddler. I never visited a grocery store during this time. Not only that, I blanched and froze green beans, corn, and melon for smoothies and popsicles. I made apple sauce. It was like I was on a homestead, but in the middle of a city. It was satisfying to know that everything that I was eating and preserving came from dirt not too far away in Marengo, Illinois. That the hands that planted it and pulled it and packed it, were hands that I could reach out and shake at a farmers market. This mattered then, and it matters even more now. In a nation and a world that continues to separate us and create strife, there is no better time to support your neighbors, your small farms, your local businesses. The money you spend matters there, it means something, and honestly, how would you have ever tasted such a large variety of Korean melons if not for local farms who want to do things deliciously their way?
(NOTE: CSA—Community Supported Agriculture—is a system where consumers purchase a "share" of a farm's harvest at the beginning of the growing season. In return, they receive a regular supply of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season.)
I spoke with Aiden Nichols about what is happening on the farm now as spring weather approaches and we all get very excited for farmers markets to open, as well as what your CSA purchase and farmers market buys mean to their bottom line.
Most of us probably assume that farms go dormant in the winter. What is the truth of the work for farmers when the land gets cold?
While in the winter we may not be doing very much field work, we still make an effort to supply restaurants and customers with their fill of produce. We actively attend a few indoor winter markets across the Chicagoland area, as well as offer a winter CSA for our loyal customers. Most of what we offer in the winter is limited to our plethora of hearty storage crops and apples that keep wonderfully for us throughout the offseason.
Despite it being one of the oldest professions, the agriculture business seems like a mystery to most, especially when it comes to local family-run farms. Can you talk about what is currently happening on the farm now as we approach spring?
As winter starts to clear and spring approaches, we slowly get back into the swing of things. We are actively preparing our farmland, on the nicer days of course, and introducing more and more plants into our greenhouses. Around this time we will also start planning what we will plant come late spring/summer, and order any supplies we will need for the upcoming season.
Consumers are finally putting a big focus on the effects of our buying practices in terms of climate change, political affiliations, and beyond. When it comes to food, a basic need, what is the best way that buyers can put their money where their mouth is?
Simply put, buy in what you believe. So many farmers make an active effort to put their best foot forward when it comes to environmental sustainability, growing practices, sustainable production, and much more! The intimacy surrounding the small scale farming industry is something that people should take pride in being a part of. No matter your beliefs, there is likely to be a farmer somewhere who aligns with them.
CSAs are a great way to support local farms and our local food systems. It makes the consumer feel good, but what about the farm? Can you talk about what it means for the farm itself to utilize the CSA model?
CSAs are a backbone for many businesses, ours included. It assures many businesses that there are people supporting them. It supplies the farmer with confidence in their endeavor to provide the best quality they can in such an unpredictable profession. For us, subscribing to a CSA is a promise between us and our supporters. The CSA member promises their support and we promise to provide our best for the member.
To the outsider, Farmers Markets and CSAs may seem like a tiny fraction, almost a bonus of what keeps a farm sustained. What do sales at markets and CSA membership mean to a working local farm? What other ways can we make sure we are properly supporting our local farming community?
Truthfully, farmers markets and CSAs are a large majority of what supports our farm and others. For many years our farm was funded exclusively by what was sold at farmers markets. And for many vendors it still very much is the case. Ensuring that farmers markets are present and housing the space for vendors to sell their produce is crucial to the local farmers' success, But it’s also crucial that people get out and show their support and shop local. Attending these markets is the best way to show your support for your farmer.
I have personally participated in CSAs for years and find that especially during those summer CSA months, I rarely go to the grocery store and if I do, it's for pantry items like pasta. It also made me very aware of how truly sad the shipped produce at the grocery stores is. For those who have never participated in a CSA before, can you talk about all the wonderful fruits and vegetables that come in each box every week?
Our CSA is all based on what's in season. We offer constant variety each and every week, spanning from leafy greens such as spinach, baby bok choy, and baby lettuce, to fresh picked alliums such as spring onions, shallots, and leeks. As the season progresses we offer heirloom tomatoes, several varieties of cucumbers, blueberries, gooseberries, and so much more. Listing all the fresh, delicious produce we offer over the course of the year would take all day, because after all, Variety is our Specialty!
For more information on Nichols Farm and Orchard and their CSA program, check out their website, nicholsfarm.com.