CSG The Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm How it Works at CSG

How does the CSG at Genesis Farm Work?

The garden at Genesis Farm was established in 1988. The founding members were deeply concerned about safety issues around pesticide use. While their own lifestyles did not allow them to raise their own food, they responded positively to the initiative of a Community Supported Garden (CSG) at Genesis Farm and were willing to pre-buy their food in this creative new venture.

The majority of work is done by a small team of gardeners. The support of the gardeners, all of the operating costs, and the capital improvements are carried by the shareholder community. All of the abundance of the food is divided among the shareholders. Food left over after distribution hours is given to local food pantries. The farm is working toward removing itself from the inequities, injustices and ecological devastation of the present market system. It is a social as well as an economic alternative.

At present, the CSG uses approximately 51 acres of land through a 50-year lease with the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, New Jersey, who have protected the land through farmland preservation. There are three greenhouses that extend the growing season and provide some fresh salad greens over the winter months. Over 10 acres are in cultivation with vegetables and berries. In addition there is a 256-tree orchard and hardy kiwi vines.

The construction of a centrally-located Gardenhouse, with root cellars and a distribution space has enabled the garden to provide food throughout the entire year. This building reflects the kind of commitment that results from such a community-based project. Two-thirds of its funding was provided by shareholders, either as gifts or as low or no-interest loans. The remaining third was raised through the capital fund included in each year's share price and most of the labor was done as a community activity.

 

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