After surviving a rough and tumble first year—like all farmers in the area, they struggled with a very wet spring and a punishing hail storm in July—the folks at North Hampton’s Leaks and Bounds farm are offering an increased number of shares in their Community Supported Agriculture initiative. They’ll offer two informational meetings at their farm for the 2007 growing season, Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m., or Saturday, Oct. 21, at 12:30 p.m.

At a CSA farm, residents from nearby communities contribute to the costs of a local farm in advance of the next growing season. In return for their financial support, the farm provides a weekly share of produce for the growing season. Several CSA farms already exist on the Seacoast, but most have a waiting list for membership.

Leaks and Bounds plans to provide shareholders with produce for a family of 4 to 6, to be picked up at the farm weekly for 17 to 18 weeks, plus a pick-your-own patch with fresh herbs, flowers and selected vegetables. The fee for a full share, which can be split among several people, is $575. The fee for a partial share is $325.

Jay and Melissa Malouin, owners of Leaks and Bounds, don’t plan to obtain “certified organic” status, but pledge to use seeds that are certified organic or not chemically treated. Genetically modified seeds and synthetic pesticides are also out. Last year, the University of New Hampshire graduates produced about 30-35 crops on just over two acres throughout the growing season.
Leaks and Bounds is located at 109 Walnut Ave., North Hampton. For more information, call 603-964-5969.