La Salle family farm offering CSA

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This article was published 15/05/2020 (2279 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Cenerini family has grown and sold fresh produce for 30 years, generating a loyal customer base.

Now they are hoping some of their regular buyers will sign up for their new business venture: Community Shared Agriculture (CSA).

Rhéal and Carol, whose four-acre market garden is located close to La Salle, made the decision to switch from selling at farmers’ markets to offering shares partly because the Red River Exhibition Association closed its long-running weekly farmers’ market this year. The Cenerinis and their four children had a booth at that market on Saturdays from July to early October for the past 10 years, and also sold on Wednesdays at St. Norbert Farmers’ Market.

Like other vendors, the Cenerinis are uncertain about the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customer numbers and how restrictions will affect their ability to sell their produce directly.

“The CSA format lends itself to this situation,” Cenerini said, referring to the reduced direct contact that’s involved with CSA.

Customers sign up for a full or half-share, pre-pay, and receive a weekly produce package. Cenerini said he expects to offer produce deliveries from the second last week of July until the second last week of September, but good weather conditions could allow the season to be extended into early October.

He said a half-share will provide enough vegetables and herbs to meet the weekly needs of a two- or three-person household, while the full share usually feeds a family of four or five. A mid-summer full share could include bunches of carrots, beets and onions, three pounds of potatoes, two pounds each of beans and zucchini, two heads of lettuce, and three cucumbers, with other types of produce substituted if available.

“We’re keeping it reasonably simple for the first year.”

Cenerini said they don’t plan to change what they usually grow but might cut down on sweet corn which was a big seller at farmers’ markets.

“You have to focus on variety for CSA. We always try to offer a wide selection,” he said, adding that they will still offer some corn along with melons and tomato varieties that grow well on their property next to the La Salle River.

He plans to set up two delivery/pick-up locations on the west and east sides of Winnipeg.

As in other years, the Cenerinis will ensure that no produce is wasted and will make donations to Winnipeg Harvest.

Cenerini said he and Carol will miss the weekly interaction with customers at farmers’ markets.

“For us that’s been one of the most attractive parts of the business.”

He added that working in the market garden and learning the ropes of selling at farmers’ markets was a great experience for his children as they grew up.

“They’re still involved when we need them,” he said.

For more information on la Ferme Cenerini Farm, see www.rfarm2u.ca or www.facebook.com/rfarm2u or email to cenerinivegetables@outlook.com