Visitors can sample locally grown fruits, vegetables, wine and cheese; meet the farmers; and learn about the Brandywine Conservancy's work to preserve family farms and open space at a "CSA Day" in the courtyard of the Brandywine River Museum of Art on Sept. 13.

Visitors may sign up for a CSA, paying in advance for a "share" of what a farm produces in a growing season, then receiving a portion of each week's harvest. Among other benefits, the relationship provides farmers with capital at the beginning of the growing season, while providing its members with fresh, local goods.

CSAs are also a way to discover heirloom fruits and vegetables. There are more than 2,500 kinds of apples grown in America, and at least 10,000 kinds of tomatoes, and many CSAs grow and sell  varieties of these and other produce. T

Taking part in the event on Sept. 13 are:

Highland Orchard (Wilmington), fruits and vegetables;

In My Back Yard at Misty Hollow (Westtown), fruits and vegetables;

North Star Orchard (Cochranville), heritage fruits and vegetables;

Paradocx Vineyard (Landenberg), wine;

SIW Vegetables (Chadds Ford), fruits, vegetables and flowers;

Thornbury Farm (West Chester), organic and local vegetables;

Two Gander Farm (Downingtown), specialty produce and honey;

Yellow Springs Farm (Chester Springs), artisanal goat cheeses.

 

CSA Day will be held in the courtyard of the Brandywine River Museum, on Route 1 in Chadds Ford, on Sept. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. Visit  www.brandywinemuseum.org. For more information.