Monday December 10, 2012

CLARKSBURG -- A new farm in town has stepped in to offer community supported agriculture (CSA) shares for the 2013 growing season.

Many Forks Farm, founded in February by Sharon Wyrrick, of Williamstown, is situated on two acres of land off River Road, and offers a variety of organic produce, including lettuces, spinach, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, summer and winter squashes, and more.

Several shares at Many Forks will be subsidized by Hoosac Harvest, a nonprofit group dedicated to improving access to local food for all residents of Northern Berkshire.

"We want membership to represent diversity in all forms," Wyrrick said. "There are income guidelines and a sliding scale to determine the subsidy, usually 50 percent or more. An individual will be responsible for some portion, which they can pay out over the season."

Wyrrick said half an acre of the farm is dedicated to growing produce, enough to provide food for 15 memberships. Members will pick up produce at the farm weekly from June through October. According to Many Forks' website, one share costs $450 and provides enough vegetables for a family of four, or for two adults who eat a lot of vegetables. The money members pay for each share will go toward supporting the farm financially.

"By having that payment up front, you have the capital to maintain the farm and buy supplies," she said.

Wyrrick said the farm's name refers to how people take many "forks"

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in life. Prior to founding Many Forks, Wyrrick was involved with the local arts community, though she said she's had an interest in farming for years and has kept her own vegetable garden.

Square Roots, formerly located in Clarksburg and now in Lanesborough, still offers a CSA program. Co-founder Michael Gallagher said a CSA provides economic stability for farmers to continue farming the land. The relationship between the consumer and farmer is also unique.

"They're able to see the people that grow the food and the land where it's grown," he said.

In addition to selling CSA shares, Wyrrick said she will continue selling at local farmers markets and farm stores.

"You're able to introduce people to local food who either can't commit or haven't decided whether they want to join a CSA," she said.

To reserve a spot at Many Forks, call 413-281-1814, visit www.manyforksfarm.com or email manyforksfarm@pobox.com.