Spring is almost here on the North Fork, and with it comes another bountiful growing season. For those who have been craving the taste of farm-fresh produce and would like to support the local farming community, now is the time to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. By joining a CSA at one of the many farms across the North Fork, participants can secure a share of a farm’s harvest early in the season, helping to sustain local farmers and in return receiving a consistent supply of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the growing period. CSA members are also often granted special perks, like discounts on farm stand goods or invitations to member-only events.
There are several CSA programs running this year, each offering a wide range of local goods. Here are six CSAs to check out that feature fresh, locally grown produce.
Zilnicki Farms
Zilnicki Farms is back for another year of CSAs. The fourth-generation family farm has one of the most flexible subscriptions offering customized farm boxes full of fresh, local food. Members can choose between small, medium, or large bundles that can be picked up or delivered on a weekly or biweekly schedule.
Through a software called Harvie, members can choose what kinds of foods they want in their share, add extra produce or indicate what items they prefer to not receive. The CSA program runs from March 12 to Dec. 2. Unlike more traditional CSAs, which charge one price upfront for the season, members are charged per week and have the flexibility to skip weeks or cancel anytime.
Zilnicki Farms partners with other farmers, artisans and chefs to curate their CSAs packages. In addition to fresh produce, members are likely to see artisanal products like Goodale Farms’ milk and cheeses, Schmitt’s horseradish and Hampton Sourdough bread along with Zilnicki herbs, eggs and flowers. For the first time, their very own Zilnicki Farms beef will be offered to CSA members this year.
Zilnicki Farms is located at 3747 Sound Ave. in Riverhead. For more information about the farm’s CSA program, visit zilnickifarms.com.
Oregon Road Organics
Oregon Road Organics is offering 10- to 12-week CSA subscriptions that feed anywhere from one to three people from mid-June to November. The subscription includes a weekly supply of the farm’s certified organic produce as well as non-organic vegetables from neighboring farms like corn, cauliflower, potatoes, broccoli and more. Item swaps, rescheduling and skip weeks are accepted.
OREGON ROAD ORGANICS COURTESY PHOTOS
Specializing in growing hemp, the farm will also include its NOFO CBD products as a swap option in its upcoming CSA shares. In addition to receiving fresh produce, CSA members are also invited to an end-of-the-season party and are welcome to use the family farm’s fire pit area overlooking its picturesque fields.
Oregon Road Organics is located at 12595 Oregon Road in Cutchogue. For more information about their CSA program, visit oregonroadorganics.com.
Sang Lee Farms
With pickup locations across Long Island and Brooklyn, Sang Lee’s CSA program is an easy way for families across Long Island to access the North Fork’s bounty each week. This 24-week program, which runs from June 7 to Nov. 14, is available for partial or full shares. Each includes several delicious and diverse veggies including seedless melons, heirloom tomatoes, asparagus and a variety of Asian veggies. The farm does not hold or double up missed shares, and all shares that are not picked up will be donated locally to someone in need. The deadline to sign up is May 1, though drop sites may close earlier if they fill up.
Sang Lee Farms is located at 25180 County Road 48 in Peconic. For more information, go to sangleefarms.com.
Andrews Family Farm
Andrews Family Farm is hosting a 10-week CSA program this year with special perks for its members. At the start of the program, participants will be given a half-bushel basket that they will bring to the farm each week to fill with vegetables of their choosing.
ROSE ANDREWS COURTESY PHOTOS
The CSA share also includes one bunch of the farm’s popular sunflowers to “bring some sunshine” into members’ homes. At the end of the season, Andrews Family Farm will celebrate its CSA members with an exclusive, complimentary farm-to-table dinner in its back greenhouse with small plates and local wine. Members will also receive 10% off on farm stand purchases during the length of the program.
Andrews Family Farm is located at 1038 Sound Ave. in Calverton. For more information about Andrews Family Farm’s CSA program, go to andrewsfamilyfarm.com/csa.
Biophilia Organic Farm
This 14-acre farm is headed into its 24th season of farming organic produce. The farm’s CSA program runs from June to October with pickup options on-site in Jamesport or at Port Jeff Brewing Company. CSA members can expect to receive shares of the farm’s juicy tomatoes, fresh greens and other organic selections weekly. Biophilia Organic Farm also provides its CSA members with recipes and ideas for the produce that they receive as well as special invitations for member-only events on the farm.
Biophilia Organic Farm is located at 211 Manor Lane in Jamesport. For more information about the farm’s CSA program, go to localharvest.org.
Jamesport Farmstead
This organic, no-till farm is offering several subscription plans in 2023 including a 20-week traditional CSA and 20-week Member’s Choice CSA. Participants of the traditional CSA will receive between eight and 12 items each week that are selected by its farm managers, while Member’s Choice participants will receive credits each week to hand-pick their own shares.
Jamesport Farmstead Courtesy Photos
Members of both programs can anticipate seeing an abundance of cold-hardy, leafy vegetables in spring, heat-loving produce like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in the summer and a variety of root vegetables and hearty greens in the fall.
In addition to its organic veggie shares, the farm also offers a range of seasonal floral CSA options and a 20-week organic, pasteurized eggs CSA.
Jamesport Farmstead is located at 1146 Main Road in Jamesport. Visit jamesportfarmstead.com/csa to learn more.
