Supporting Sustainability with Siskiyou Co-op

By: Cheri Browne | June 20 2011
Posted in Rogue Valley - Grow It - Rogue Valley

Co-op workers load up CSA bins with fresh farm-picked produce. Photo by: Cheri Browne

Since 2003, the Siskiyou Sustainable Cooperative has been working on spreading their mission of conscious consumerism and healthy lifestyle throughout the Rogue Valley. As suppliers of organic produce and other gourmet products such as meats, cheeses, and breads, they strive to educate the communities around them about the advantages of sustainable organic agriculture by encouraging people to form a positive, strong relationship with the food they eat and the farmers who grow it.

Their Community Supported Agriculture program, or CSA, allows people to become directly connected to the local farms by signing up for a membership. CSA members support these farms by investing in “shares” of the seasonal harvests. Once a week, June through November, member boxes are delivered to nine different drop locations in the Rogue Valley, or directly to your door for a small additional fee. Membership allows community members to enjoy fresh, in-season food, while supporting local agriculture with the highest quality standards.

With nine produce farms throughout the Applegate Valley (a smaller valley located within the larger Rogue Valley), Siskiyou is able to supply members with a consistently diverse variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season, including many hard-to-find specialty varieties like speckled lettuce and garlic scapes. Early in the season, boxes consist of mostly greens and herbs, while the middle months make way for more fruits like berries and peaches alongside summer vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Late season boxes will be full of squashes, root vegetables, and fall fruits like apples and melons. Having a number of participating farms also minimizes the chances of crop failure.

Aside from the usual in-season produce share, members can have “add-ons” included in their boxes as well. With choices ranging from a dozen eggs, Buffalo Salami, and Sage and Pepper Pork Sausage to specialty cheeses such as Mediterranean Lavender and Caramelized Garlic Chevre, you can be assured that your box will always hold tasty surprises. Recipe sheets are also included with suggestions on how to get the most out of your goodies.

Sign up for fresh produce from this community-friendly co-op and join them in their mission! For more information on the participating farms and membership visit: www.siskiyoucoop.com

Siskiyou Sustainable Cooperative

(541) 899-9668

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Cheri is a writer, photographer, and reveler of Southern Oregon and an enamored connoisseur of all things West Coast.