Venetucci Farm has a lot to be proud of.  This farm, established in 1936 by Nick and Bambi Venetucci, gained recognition over 50 years ago by giving out pumpkins to Colorado schoolchildren.  Over the years VF gave out millions of homegrown pumpkins; upon the deaths of the founders, the farm was willed to the Pikes Peak Community Foundation.  PPCF has upheld the Venetucci pumpkin tradition, but has taken the farm in another direction as well - towards beyond-organic ideals.

Modeled loosely Joel Salatin's Polyface Farm in Virginia, the farm's more recent direction is all about farming in the image of nature.  If you mimic nature's patterns as closely as possible, the thought process goes, you have a better chance of producing a bounty every bit as rich, diverse, and healthy as nature's, as well as maintaining a sustainable farm.  The term "beyond-organic" refers to the the more in-depth practices common on farms of this type; instead of simply using no chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, the beyond-organic farm does all this and more.  Beyond zero-reliance on chemical means of making food grow, crops are rotated often; compost is produced and used; minimal tilling is done; animals are grazed in different pastures frequently; different species of animal are used symbiotically; farm products are sold only locally and usually directly to the consumer; and full/true cost accounting is the method of choice.  The end result is a place where the full effect of actions is considered, and where the products are not only "organic" but healthy, nutritious, fresh, and tasty.  Venetucci Farm is truly an asset to their area in many ways.

One of those ways is their Community Supported Agriculture program.  For an up-front subscription fee, CSA members receive a weekly box of extremely fresh, high-quality vegetables.  Naturally raised meats, fruits, honey, and eggs are also available.  Short of growing or raising your own food, a CSA program is the best way to know the people producing your food, how your food was produced, and where your food is coming from.  For 2008, the program has about 50 members - substantially more than originally anticipated.

Interested in Venetucci Farm's CSA program?  Visit their website at www.venetuccifarm.org for the most current info, and to see why this farm is truly a continuing success.