Fruit Share

2010 Fruit Share Enrolling Now — Deadline Aug 20.
Download the enrollment form here.

Newton Community Farm is pleased to offer a weekly fruit share in conjunction with Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton, MA. Each weekly shares consist of a 5 pound bag of fruit, which may include apples, pears, plums, possibly grapes, and possibly peaches. As with all things agricultural, what is available is highly dependent on the particular growing conditions of each season. Fruit Shares cost $70.00 and run for 9 weeks starting around Labor Day. Shares should be picked up at Newton Community Farm on Wednesdays between 2 and 7 pm in the lower level of the barn. Fruit will be held until the end of the day Thursday, but will not be refrigerated. After Thursday evening unclaimed shares will be disposed of.

To sign up for a Fruit Share, please fill out the enrollment form and return it with your check to Newton Community Farm, 303 Nahanton Street, Newton MA 02459. Please make checks payable to Newton Community Farm. Checks and enrollment forms must be received by August 20 . If you have further questions, contact Greg Maslowe, Farm Manager at Newton Community Farm 617/916-9655 or greg@newtoncommunityfarm.org.

Note on growing methods: Autumn Hills Orchard is not organic. They use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control insects and diseases. IPM seeks to reduce the frequency and amount of spraying by vigilant scouting so that pests can be sprayed at the moment in their life cycle when they are most vulnerable. IPM also seeks to “control damage” rather than eradicate pests, allowing them to use less sprays. IPM can dramatically reduce the amount of spraying required to grow high quality fruit in a climate like New England. This method reduces the harm caused by many sprays to the environment, orchard workers, beneficial insects, and the end comsumer. It should not, however, be confused with organic.