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Working on the farm is no longer required for membership!
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We encourage our members to become working members; however, non-working members are equally welcome. Working members pay less per share than non-working members.
The traditional Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model involves members working on the farm. Brook Farm strongly believes in this model and encourages members to come and work with us in the fields. Members with a regular working share are required to work 3 harvest mornings per season while members with a large working share are required to work 6 harvest mornings per season. Through work on the farm, members truly develop an understanding of what is required to grow healthy food and gain a better appreciation of where their food comes from. Hours can be completed by working individually or by family members and friends working side by side. By working together, you can fulfill your commitment in less time. We realize field work is not possible for everyone though, so we now offer non-working shares.
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There are so many ways to become involved. Something will surely fit your schedule. If you have a special talent or area of expertise, let us know. We often times have certain needs that can be filled by a particular skill.
Be sure to check the calendar for scheduled volunteer opportunities!
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In The Garden
Early in the year, before the ground has thawed or the distribution begun, we can use your help. Beginning in early March, we start flats of seeds in the greenhouse, which eventually make their way into cold frames to "harden off" before they can be transplanted into the fields. As soon as the weather is consistent and dry, we begin planting. We can get very busy - planting 10,000 onions or 4000 broccoli - but many hands make light work.
As the season progresses, produce needs to be harvested. Usually this takes place before the sun is fully overhead to be certain that certain vegetables do not lose their vitality in the heat of the sun.
Weeds happen. It's that simple. It is our job to pull them up and give the roots of our plants room to grow without having to share space and precious nutrients.
Distribution of food can be daunting without some help. Food needs to be washed and displayed for members to pickup.
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On The Farm
Are you a painter, carpenter, mechanic? We need willing hands to take on repairs and projects to keep the farm in top shape.
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In The Office
We can always use help filing, organizing, or working on the newsletter. A few hours here and there can alleviate the burden on just a few folks. Are you good at graphic arts? Some other helpful skill?
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The Core Group
This group of dedicated volunteers help with the behind the scenes workings of the farm. Member events, decision making, housing for farm workers, hiring, member educational programs and much more all start with this committee.
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The Mission Group
The Mission Group is the education and community outreach component of the farm. They organize and implement both on-farm and off-farm programming, as well as the education programming with SUNY New Paltz.
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