Community Supported Agriculture, popularly known as a CSA, is a system that connects the producer and consumers within their food system more closely. Members pay for their produce share before the season begins, usually winter, which aids farmers in purchasing necessary products during a time when income is typically low. In return for becoming a member, subscribers receive a weekly box of produce or other farm goods. This includes in-season fruits and vegetables and can expand to dried goods, eggs, milk, meat, etc. 

In response to an identified need to find more local markets for Boyle Co. vegetable and meat producers, the Boyle Co. Horticulture Agent worked with farmers to create the Wilderness Trail Farm Share (WTFS). This coalition is mainly comprised of seven Boyle Co. Farmers, who are producing a variety of different fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as eggs, beef, and bread add-on options. This was an effort to be more of a one-stop-shop for members to get both their veggie, bread and protein needs. Each farm is responsible for growing anywhere from 1-5 crops of their choosing, to be put into shares. Meaning one members box of produce may be comprised of items from 5-7 farms in any one week.  

Now in its second year of operation, WTFS added on an additional 4-week spring option (May) to the usual 12-week summer share (June-August), to help meet the needs of food shortages due to COVID-19. The CSA was also opened to the public and not just Centre employees as it was in the first year. 

Two share sizes were available, a half for single people or couples, and a full share for families. 

Spring Shares: Total Income $1,960 

• 15 half 

• 10 full 

Summer Shares: Total Income $11,760 

• 22 half 

• 24 full 

A total of $13,720 will go directly to Boyle County farmers as a result of the creation of the Wilderness Trail Farm Share. For reference, this doubles last year’s income and has created more community between local people and Boyle County farmers.