In January 2007, I found myself laying in a hospital bed, trying to figure out how my health had gotten so bad. Many things came to pass in the next couple weeks, one of which was finding out I had type 1 diabetes, borderline type 2. It had almost killed me. All the signs had been there: no energy, trouble thinking, food had no taste, sleeplessness, etc.
Before going into the hospital, I was a construction superintendent, waking up at 3:30 am and getting home past 7:00 pm. The pay was great, but I would skip breakfast and eat from a break truck for lunch.
I had always loved gardening and always planted a sizable plot for my family, which I could only enjoy on Sundays. Sunday dinners were always the best. There is nothing like fresh tomatoes and greens! Squash, peppers, and potatoes just naturally go together.
While lying in the hospital bed, all I could do was watch tv. The news was saying how fuel prices were going to hit an all time high, and there would be an impact on the cost to transport produce.
I come from a family of farmers. I remember working on the farm when I was young. Back then, my day would also start early and end late, but I always had breakfast, lunch , and dinner, at the same time, every day. I really missed the food I ate regularly when I was younger. I had been so strong and healthy. I decided it was time to make a change.
I wanted to make myself and my family healthy. I also wanted to do something good that would also give back to the world.
We were living on a 60+ acre farm in Summit Point, WV. The land had been used for produce production back in the early 1920's to the 1960's. The land had not been used for anything for 40 years. Everything was grown up. I decided to make vegetable farming my future and started to reclaim the land. Clearing brush is hard work when it's done by hand, but it makes you take a close look at all aspects of the soil.
2011 was a great year, fullfilling all CSA's. Three really great things happened last year. One, our son was born! Two, we now have a small farm in Hedgesville, WV. Three, we had the best customers ever!
The best part of a CSA is the produce is fresh and local. Heirloom Italy is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project dedicated to serving as a model of sustainability, while providing the freshest, most nutritious produce possible to households in the Metro Washington ,DC-Northern Virginia Area -The 495 Corridor and The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
Through composting and soil management, we increase the mineral content of our soil. Minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potash, and zinc are abundant. Our produce has taste all its own, and the mineral content helps to keep your body healthy. If you have diabetes or cancer, you need to start eating the right foods. You must give your body the ammunition it needs to fight back!
We are not certified organic, but we go above and beyond all practices. Every year, our plants are fed with compost created here at the farm. The work is well worth the results!
The world in which we live can be a different place. We do not need fuel and energy costs going into the boxing and shipping of produce or transporting it from across the country. Imagine no fertilizer run-off polluting our rivers, bays, and oceans. Imagine insecticides and pesticides no longer in the air we breathe, infecting the animals we eat ,admire or care for. This starts with me and you. Myself, and my family, are committed. We do hope you join our 2011 CSA Family!
Art Marrone
founder/chief of operations