KYV Farm Tour
Posted: June 16, 2010
Our field trip to KYV Farm was a success, both nutritionally and informatively. Thirteen of us showed up to have Vivian Bayona and Francisco Arroyo show us around their farm and explain their CSA. Although we had one small rain cloud follow us for a little while, we were eventually able to walk around the greenhouses and see where so many vegetables are grown.
Francisco said his “crazy” chickens had gotten into the peppers, and he was pissed. We all had a laugh, and yet there were plenty of red peppers for us to help ourselves, and the eggs we were sent home with were still warm from the roost. You just can’t get any fresher than that.
It was obvious the Arroyo’s love what they do and work hard to provide plenty of food for many families. We were unable to visit a nearby 40-acre field because of time and weather constraints; however a tableful of summer veggies testified to its abundance. We had our choice of eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers, chives and the tenderest sweet corn I have had in a long time.
KYV Farm describes its Community Supported Agriculture program as “a partnership of mutual commitment between the farm and its community of supporters, which provides a direct link between the production and consumption of food. Supporters cover a farm’s operating budget by purchasing a share of the season’s harvest. CSA members make a commitment to support the farm throughout the season, and assume the costs, risks and bounty of growing food along with the farmer or grower. Members help pay for seeds, water, equipment maintenance, labor, etc. In return, the farm provides, to the best of its ability, a healthy supply of seasonal fresh produce throughout the growing season.”
They offer a few different member options, including a full share or half share, and an optional citrus share. Each share is for a 24-week period from approximately November through May. Vivian drops off the members’ shares each Tuesday at their choice of five locations. One location is at the FCTC in St Augustine. The other four are in Orange Park, downtown Jacksonville, Southside and at Jax Beaches. Members can also pickup directly at the farm on Thursdays. If you are considering joining for the upcoming season, the membership fee and payment/plan are due by July 31, 2010. For more information about this wonderful CSA, please visit their website at www.kyvfarm.com, call them at 787.232.2234, or email them at kyvfarm@aol.com.
One of our field trippers was Sandi Newman of the Society of St Andrew, an organization that gleans farmers’ fields after the harvest to supply local food banks. Vivian and Francisco graciously offered SOSA green beans, tomatoes and onions left in one of their fields, and we had a gleaning day the following Wednesday. The abundance of their farming efforts was truly amazing.
Thank you for having us, Vivian and Francisco! We enjoyed our tour and your hospitality.
Joan Kramer
SFFC Steering Committee