Local Avid Gardener and CSA Provider: Interview with Elizabeth Unti

What is a CSA?

“Community supported agriculture brings the consumer directly to the farmer. Typically a CSA requires a person to buy “shares” and while that does protect the farmer, it can have limitations for the consumer. It’s not a bad model by any means, but it’s not exactly what I do.”

What inspired you to start offering a CSA?

“A life long passion for sustainable agriculture coupled with the hollowing knowledge that many folks in rural areas, unless they’ve grown it themselves, have extremely limited access to fresh produce. And what is available is often of mediocre quality and is exceedingly high priced for the general population.”

What is the cost of being part of your CSA offering?

“$25 a box. Right now, a “box” typically contains roughly 15# of food and has recently contained potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, squash, peppers, herbs, garlic and cucumbers.... and always a bouquet of flowers! I estimate a box is roughly what a 3-4 person household goes through in a week, using some of the components in all 3 meals of each day.”

If I want to get produce from you next year is that possible and if so how and when do I contact you?

“That’s a tough question! Every year presents its own set of challenges and I’m constantly learning! I’d love to build a model where the customer isn’t required to pay up front, but there is still a moderate market guarantee for the grower to ensure adequate supply. Currently there is more demand than product but we’re working towards changing that. In time we hope to supply 20 families regularly. In the meantime, you’d be welcome to call, email or text me.  I’m always happy to sell items individually!”

How are CSA boxes received? Are they delivered or do I pick them up?

“I’m flexible and all the customers really have been as well. I’ve been doing central drop this year and it’s worked, but I still have a lot to refine. But if someone needs or wants something at a different time, I am always willing to work that out!”

Where does the produce come from and how is it grown?

“I have a pretty sufficient garden at home and I lease a hoop house at Seed to Table Farm on the Larsell’s ranch. I work closely with my dad and local gardeners whenever I can. My standards are pretty strict, 100% organic and sustainably produced is a must. It is not only important for the earth, but some of my customer’s health depends on knowing exactly what is in their food, and exactly where it came from. It is of the upmost importance I consistently provide that.”

What are the common reasons your customers purchase from you?

“Knowledge their food is entirely free of chemicals, a high standard of quality, and affordability... I hope those are their reasons anyway!”

Do you do any customization of produce selection for customers or are all the boxes the same?

“As a member of several CSA’s in my life, I never liked paying in advance and just getting whatever I got! Sometimes you don’t need more of this or that, or maybe you just don’t like something. Personally, I only want to purchase what I want and will use, so that’s what I strive to provide. I customize every single box. While that is something I absolutely intend on providing indefinitely, it has presented challenges as well. I have some ideas to streamline the process in the future, but I’m really just learning as I go!  Thankfully my customers have been willing to figure it out alongside me!”

Can you describe what would come in an average box during a couple different months throughout the year?

“In the spring and fall, one could expect to see greens, mushrooms, dried goods, preserves, winter squash, root crops, radishes, etc. In the summer months, most summer crops we all know and love; tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, eggplant, squash, beans, etc.”

When does the CSA start and stop during the year?

“Hmmmmm.... great question! With the hoop house, I hope to extend the season on both ends, but I can’t really say just yet! From my home garden, April or May through October is fairly reliable though. It’s my hope to have greens, brassicas and mushrooms as early as March, and as late as November or December, in addition to root crops and whatnot. I’m always chomping at the bit to find hardy varieties, and to dial in the timing to truly extend the season, but the hoop house is still very new to me. I suppose time will tell.”

How do you describe your relationship with your customers?

“I’ve been blessed to work with the most wonderful people one could ever hope to interact with! I care deeply about my customers, they’re all friends at this point. I want them all to thrive and I’m incredibly honored to be invited to play a role in nourishing their bodies. It brings tears to my eyes actually. Food connects us all, we rely on it several times a day, every single day, yet we’re often very disconnected from it. Even if it’s only for a handful of families for half the year, it is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life to know my friends are eating food that is not only sustainably produced, but that has had love poured in to it, from before the seeds ever even germinated! Sure, my customers buy food, but it is so much deeper than that! I hope my customers feel that, in every tasty bite!”

If you’d like to get in touch with Elizabeth her e-mail address is elizabethunti@gmail.com and phone number is (541) 993-4611 if you’d rather text or call.