Ag census shows an astonishing 12,549 CSA farms in the USA.

[SpiralHawk]

Wow - a stunning and positive development !

CSA farms coming on strong in response to a host of factors, including economics, and food safety and security...

http://thecalloftheland.com/

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. The Eat Local movement is definitely catching on, and very worthwhile!

We sell heirloom tomato plants at a local farmers market in the spring - and our business has increased recently, despite the economy - people are getting it, gardening more, but we need to watch potential obstruction of this movement by companies like Monsanto (there is a post on a pretty awful bill making its way through the system).

[Renew Deal]

2. Heirloom tomatos are also pretty hot right now.

They've gotten a lot of attention the last few years.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. I got in on the ground floor, so to speak - joined the SSE and started my large collection in 1986

Now have over 2000 varieties, and am working on a book.

[Renew Deal]

4. Wow

That's great. I was in Asheville a couple of years ago and they had some at a market. They looked great. Whole Foods carries them. They love to sell local stuff. You might be able to get Whole Foods to use you as a "local" source.

[NRaleighLiberal]

5. I wish! Don't have the room....it is a work in progress.

Ever tried Cherokee Purple? That's my baby - named that one in 1990 and sent it to a few seed companies (Southern Exposure, Johnny's) - it caught on!

Right now I am more of a researcher/evaluator, and historian. Got to keep it fun - if it were something I had to depend on for income, it would lose its fun factor fast!

[Renew Deal]

6. Makes sense.

I haven't tried that one. I'm looking forward to a new season.

[bvar22]

7. You invented Cherokee Purples?

We tried them last year, and were delighted.
Very Tasty....visually distinctive.
Production was great, and it continued to produce well into the Too Hot for Tomatoes season (August).
We will be planting another Cherokee Purple this season.
Thanks!

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. It came to me in 1990 from Mr. John Green of Sevierville TN as an unnamed variety.

Mr. Green sent me an envelope with about 10 seeds with a short note - "here is a purple tomato that the Cherokee Indians gave my neighbors 100 years ago. Hope you like them"

I grew it, was amazed at the color, gave it the name and sent it to seed companies. It is still one of my very favorite tomatoes!

[sazemisery]

9. Cherokee Purple is my favorite tomato

I have grown it for 3 years now. I am trying Atkinson this year as it was developed for the hot, dry days we have here in NE Oklahoma. I hope it proves to be a winner also.


edited for speling

[greenbird]

10. That is so cool!

Thank you for Cherokee Purple! One of my favorites and a good seller for me. Now I have a story to tell my customers about it. Keep us posted on your book.