One of the reasons that John & I decided to start Yellow Stonehouse Organic Farm & CSA was to share the farm and beautiful natural landscape with neighbors and local community members.  We realized farms were disappearing from our area and the availability of locally grown vegetables was decreasing.  We started our Organic CSA to keep Yellow Stonehouse Farm in operation and we think belonging to our organic farm CSA is important because:

• Massachusetts is losing farms:  Losing agricultural land impacts our ability to feed ourselves locally with increasing dependence on large factory farms located in the Midwest, California and Southern states – all areas that are being impacted by climate change damaging their agricultural productivity.  Most of these farms also use conventional factory farming practices which impact food safety, taste and nutrition.
• Local food is the better for you: When food is transported long distances to grocery stores, it loses freshness & wholesomeness.  Often, food grown for transport are varieties that are designed to last longer but sacrifice flavor and nutrients.  Eating locally grown food is the best of all worlds – vegetables taste best at peak freshness as well as being most nutritious.
• USDA certified organic food is healthy:  Conventionally grown food is often grown with chemicals and fertilizers that we believe to be harmful to human health – especially children.  Feeding children organic food when they are young is a great start to lifelong health and wellness.  Not only are they getting the best nutrition, children also learn to like vegetables and develop good eating habits that last a lifetime.
• YSF farm is fun for families and children:  It’s important for children to learn about and appreciate how food happens. Children who are exposed to farming are more likely to enjoy eating vegetables.  They also develop an appreciation and understanding of the importance of farming, nature and open space.  Plus, kids love being outside in the sunshine, playing in the dirt, and having a hands-on experience picking vegetables and flowers.
• YSF Farm is a stress reducer – relaxing and refreshing:  Spending time at the farm outside in the sunshine, absorbing a little vitamin D on our beautiful organic farm is a wonderful healthy way to spend a few hours – experiencing the beauty of nature among a myriad of flowers, trees, berries, birds, butterflies, bees, not to mention turtles, frogs, and grasshoppers.  We plant flowers, vegetables and berries for members to pick their own and take great pleasure in the fun children have in filling their baskets (and tummies). 

These are some other, unique reasons why belonging to Yellow Stonehouse Farm’s CSA is especially rewarding:

• Yellow Stonehouse Farm’s CSA is limited to no more than 200 members – we want to
• make sure we know every member so we can provide a personal touch like remembering your favorite vegetable and saving you an extra or letting you know when your favorite flower is in bloom.
• CSA members are Yellow Stonehouse Farm’s first priority – we make sure members get first dibs on all produce before we sell to drop in customers.  We also do our best to fulfill special requests like a glorious bouquet of flowers for a special occasion or the blackberry leaves one member uses to make a special soothing tea.
• YSF is flexible – there are a variety of share options, payment plans and pick-up days so every member can conveniently fit their trip to the farm in their schedule.  And if something comes up, or you have a vacation scheduled, we will work with you to make sure you don’t miss a share.
• YSF is accessible – we have convenient parking close to the pick-up area and then additional parking near the PYO fields along with a U-shaped driveway to minimize congestion.  We are open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am till 6:30 pm for Pick-Your Own members. PYO crops are planted on the near side of the fields for member convenience and we have shaded picnic tables nearby for family members to relax while watching the pickers.
• YSF has an additional 65 acres of fields and meadows for members to enjoy.  We keep paths mowed for easy access and provide maps for various features of the area including the Manhan River and turtle nesting area and will conduct tours upon prior arrangement.
• One of the farmer’s – Connie or John – is always at the pick-up area to help members – review that week’s recipe, explain what a particular vegetable is and why its good for you, or to just spend a few minutes talking about your day.  Socializing at the farm is something many members enjoy.
• PYO vegetables, flowers, berries and herbs are included with every share.  The flower bouquets are especially popular with many of our members.  Perennial & herb gardens along with Fairy gardens are located near the pick-up area for member’s to enjoy.
• To increase convenience for our members, the farm store will be carrying a carrying a curated selection of local, organic grocery items and condiments including eggs, bread, jams & jellies, freshy roasted coffee and more.