Farm Info
Canticle Farm Brochure
Click here to view our brochure in pdf format.
Our brochure is available in the pdf format, a universal format for viewing online documents. You need to have Adobe's Acrobat Reader installed to view these files. It is free and if you do not already have it, you can download it here.
What is a Share?
Members pay for a share of the farm's harvest at the beginning of the growing season and become shareholders. Members receive a variety of vegetables on a weekly basis over the projected 18 week summer season. We also have a 5 week spring season and a 5 week fall season.
A Large Summer Share will provide vegetables for a family of four to five. A Small Summer Share will provide for a family of one to three. Spring and Fall Shares are also available in both large and small quantities.
View the following slide shows to see sample small weekly shares.
- Click here for the 2009 spring small share slide show.
- Click here for the 2009 summer small share slide show.
- Click here for the 2009 fall small share slide show.
Participating Shares enable members to be actively involved in working on the farm. In addition to receiving fresh fruits and vegetables, CSA members are supporting direct relationship between the community and its food source, between ecologically sound agriculture and the economy of the region. Shareholder families are given the opportunity to participate in the farm through a variety of service projects. Large shareholder families are required to volunteer a total of 10 hours of service over the course of the nine month growing season beginning in February and ending in late October. Small shareholder families are required to volunteer a total of 5 hours of service during that time. Many of the areas of service do not require fieldwork or physical labor.
Benefits for the Shareholder and the Farmer
- Opportunity to purchase fresh, vine-ripened, locally gown produce that is not commercially transported. A wide selection of produce varieties are available. For example, the farm grows 35 varieties of tomatoes, 20 varieties of lettuce, 10 varieties of beans, 15 varieties of squash, 7 varieties of carrots, and 12 varieties of onions.
- Peace of mind, knowing all crops are raised using natural/sustainable practices, while eliminating the use of harmful synthetic insecticides and herbicides.
- Ability to have a direct link with the farmer, allowing for a personal connection with the food and the land on which it is produced.
- Opportunity for your family to participate in the farm's production, educational programs and seasonal festivals.
- All marketing and sales of shares is done before growing season begins, allowing the farmer to concentrate on production.
- The raising of capital is done at the beginning of the season, when most costs are incurred, which ensures fair compensation for labor throughout the season.
- Strengthens the local economy by keeping food dollars within the community.
How can I become a Shareholder?
To become a shareholder or member, purchase a large or small share and pick up the produce weekly on a scheduled day and time - or donate a share to the needy. See complete information and application in the Be A Shareholder Section.
To make a donation, click here to go to our Donate page.
We are members of the following organizations and associations:
Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) is a non-profit alternative certification program tailored for small-scale, direct-market farmers using natural methods. Certified Naturally Grown is a Grassroots Alternative to the USDA's National Organic Program meant primarily for small farmers distributing through local channels - farmer's markets, roadside stands, local restaurants, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs and small local grocery stores - the farmers that make up your local landscape! The CNG Standards and growing requirements are no less strict than the USDA National Organic Program rules. The primary difference between Certified Naturally Grown and the USDA Organic program is cost to farmers and paperwork requirements.
Local Harvest real food, real farmers, real community
Use this website to find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies. Want to support this great web site? Shop in our catalog for things you can't find locally!
The Robyn Van En Center provides a national resource center about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for people across the nation and around the world. The Robyn Van En Center also offers outreach and works to gain publicity about CSA farms in order to benefit community farmers and consumers everywhere. Click here to access their CSA database so that you can locate a CSA Farm near you.
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce
We are listed at GreenPeople, the World's largest directory of eco-friendly and holistic health products.
We are listed at Ecovian, an online green city guide created by a community of passionate members dedicated to living a sustainable lifestyle.