Farm to City is an organization that offers various services to CSA farms in southeastern Pennsylvania that market to customers in Philadelphia. Bob Pierson runs Farm to City, which was started in May 2000 to connect farmers in the region with markets in the Philadelphia area, through CSA farms and farmers' markets.
Farm to City provides a range of services to CSA farmers, and charges a percentage of the share price based upon those requested by the various farmers. For example, Farm to City works with the farmer to define the CSA, including how many shares can be provided and for what cost, what crops will be included in the share, how long the season will be, payment systems, and other issues.
Farm to City then recruits CSA shareholders for the farms. Optional services including brochure production, bookkeeping, drop-off site management, communications with shareholders (including handbooks, and a monthly newsletter), and organizing special events. Bob also addresses shareholder complaints, and evaluates the season with surveys of the shareholders.
This season Farm to City operates 15 farmers' markets including 13 established markets and two new markets: City Hall Farmers' Market at the 15th & JFK Blvd plaza and the Jefferson Farmers' Market at 10th and Chestnut. In addition to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, many of the markets feature meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products from pastured animals. Our list also includes an affiliate farm stand market operated by the West Girard Community Council.