Wed, Nov 25 2009
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Published March 24, 2009 04:45 pm - Every thriving business begins with a good idea. From farms to the dinner table: CSA connects local farmers and consumers By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com Star Beacon JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Every thriving business begins with a good idea.
Mick and Kay Prochko, owners of Covered Bridge Gardens, 1681 Netcher Road, began as dairy farmers but, in 1999, switched to vegetables thanks to inspiration from their son, and partner, Steve. “While Steve was studying dairy science in college, he kept telling us about successful ways to grow and sell vegetables through a CSA, or community-supported agriculture,” Kay Prochko said. Community-supported agriculture allows customers to enjoy gourmet vegetables along with everyday garden varieties selected by their very own personal farmers. By subscribing for the growing season, customers receive a weekly share of the varieties of produce locally grown in Ashtabula County. This year’s season begins June 25 and will end Oct. 11. Registration is going on now, and to be guaranteed a share, families need to sign up before May 15. In 2000, the Prochkos joined forces with Mike and Diane Hiener of Peters Creek Farm, 3451 S. Denmark Road in Dorset Township. Together, the two farms have created the largest CSA in northeast Ohio. “We are very well known in the Cleveland-area farmers markets, and now we want to offer the people in our county the same opportunity for fresh home-grown produce,” Mike Hiener said. The Prochkos and Hieners began by taking their produce to the Middlefield Produce Auctions but then discovered the Cleveland farmers markets were much more lucrative, including the North Union Farmers Markets in Shaker Square. During those early days, both families spent time at various conferences, absorbing ideas about how to expand their business, and decided they really liked the idea of CSA programs. “About five years ago, we started with 14 families. Last year, we had 206, and this year we are looking to double that amount,” Kay Prochko said. “We try to double every year.” There are many reasons for subscribing to a CSA, including knowing where your food is grown. “Every time the news reports that China has poisoned more of our food, our business increases,” Mike Hiener said. “Especially today, people are becoming more and more concerned about where their food comes from.” Other reasons for CSA success are sustaining a healthier way of life, the chance to order additional amounts for family reunions or canning, having someone who can answer your questions about produce, having a personal farmer you know on a first-name basis, the convenience of prepaying and the opportunity to support local agriculture. “The point is not necessarily monetary savings but quality and freshness,” Kay Prochko said. “The produce is picked at the peak of freshness and delivered in cloth bags to keep it cool.” “Our customer base is people looking for quality produce for their family and a longer shelf life,” Mike Hiener said. In-season variety is another advantage. The selection includes basil, beans, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, green onions, green tomatoes, garlic, kale, lettuce and greens, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, raspberries, sweet corn, sweet peppers, popcorn, tomatoes, watermelon, winter squash, zucchini and summer squash. 
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