Backbone Farm
Western Maryland Community Supported Agriculture Co-Op Info

What is a Backbone Farm CSA?
|Located at the foot of Backbone Mountain in Pleasant Valley , MD, we are a small family farm holding on to the idea that small scale, independent agriculture, stewardship and diversity are not only ideas from the past. Entering our tenth season as organic growers and our seventh year as a CSA we raise a large variety of vegetables, cut flowers and shiitake mushrooms. Contributing to our cycle of farm fertility are draft horses, Jersey cows, chickens and various other critters.

Getting it’s start in Europe and Japan over 30 years ago, CSA was introduced to the U.S. in 1986. The basic idea being a group of consumers or subscribers pledge their commitment to a farmer and farm, sometimes more than one, in exchange for a regular parcel of goods from the farm. For some it is just veggies, other CSA’s offer eggs, dairy products, fruit, meat or baked goods. Money is exchanged at the beginning of the season and the subscribers accept that they TAKE THE RISK WITH THE FARMER. In most arrangements, payment is non-refundable in the event of a crop ruining catastrophe. This holds true for shareholders in our CSA.

SERVING MANY PURPOSES

The CSA model fits into our society in several important ways. America’s family farmers are disappearing at an alarming rate and CSA is turning out to be a survival tactic for some. In return for supporting the small farmer, sustainable and often organic agriculture, the subscribers are rewarded with pure, quality produce ; real, fresh food. With numerous threats to our food supply including genetic engineering, heavy chemical inputs, hormones, antibiotics, and irradiation , CSA offers a sane alternative to produce that may have –among other things- up to 3000 miles logged before it reaches your table.

CSA also offers a chance for community development and a stronger local economy, giving folks a chance to get involved with each other and with the land.

What you can expect from us:
Each week beginning the first week of June we will bring what is ready from the garden to one of two drop off spots, the farm or Frostburg. The produce is presented in a farmer’s market type set up. There will be someone around to help you portion out your share of the veggies. The season will last right around 20 weeks, depending on the weather. We will try our hardest to overcome the many challenges that come in a season to give you a bountiful harvest. We will give you recipes and cooking tips and opportunities to come for pot luck picnics , farm tours, and other events. Please try to fit in a trip to the farm!

Our Share Program

Regular Share -  We recommend this size for a single person or a couple.  

Family Size– Plenty of veggies for everyone!  Just about twice the size of a regular share and the best value for the money.

Work Shares– a great way to save money and get involved with the CSA.  If you choose a work share then we’ll get in touch to schedule days for you to come out and put  in your hours on the farm. This option does not work for everyone, please call us first to discuss the details.  We take to work share as a serious commitment  and ask  really count on your hours for help. 

Honey Share– from our neighbors at Honey Grace Farm.  One gallon of HOLISTIC HONEY– 100% organic and delicious. Distributed throughout the season. $45

We are trying a new method of payment this year, a voluntary sliding scale.  As our production costs rise, we need to raise our price as well.  We offer this as a way for you to pay what you can.

Regular share             $260—$300

Family size share       $430—$500

Work Share                $185 + 14 hours labor

Family size work share   $240 + 30 hours labor