“Shiitake is such a great mushroom to grow and eat for many reasons,” said Winstead. “They are well-adapted to the Pacific Northwest maritime climate — this makes the growing season fairly long without the use of supplemental heating or cooling — they like to grow between 55 and 75 F.”
There is a duality to the benefits of CSA, and nearly every point in the food network receives gains. People in the community are better able to forge strong relationships with the farmers producing food around them, and food is distributed and enjoyed locally.
Across the country, small to medium-sized farms are forming regional wholesale food hubs to market, aggregate and distribute locally produced food from farms to restaurants, hospitals, schools, universities, grocery stores and other institutions.
Farmers can learn from certifying agents, and certifications can attract customers and also help spread consumer awareness through seeing such labels on their products.
Most people seldom see an honor system of any kind. When they do encounter one, they are often perplexed (honor systems are commonly overlooked and are even misunderstood). Once in a while they may stop at one along their way but many pass right on by and the honor system remains a mystery. Those who stop and utilize them quickly realize that honor systems are a good thing.
“What you’re doing with crowdfunding is asking people to enter into relationships with you,” she said. “And for people who care about this movement, that’s an exciting thing to do. It’s a fair exchange — it’s a relationship. When you structure rewards for certain levels of pledge, your fans are getting something exciting from you in addition to being part of your success or growth.”
