Dancing Roots Farm adds taste to community

By JANICE TARLECKI

Up around a winding road in Troutdale is a local farm with a taste of the good life, bringing natural organic vegetables to the local community. Dancing Roots Farm is the name, and healthy choices for eating is the game.

Owners Shari Sirkin and Bryan Dickerson (former MHCC teacher) are bringing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to the locals, with other small CSA farms in the Portland metro area. “We got started in this because of our desire for bringing natural and local agriculture to the local people,” said Sirkin. “We offer a huge variety of different vegetables and herbs throughout the season, with many heirloom types handed down over the years. We have a variety of tomato that is over a hundred years old, handed down by my father-in-law, that is always a favorite among the members,” she added.

The CSA is a co-op where members can buy a half or full share, $680 or $380 respectively, and the season runs for 28 weeks, from May 22 to the week past Thanksgiving. “We have members return every year, and have brought on new interns this season to help with the transplanting, just to get an early jump on the supply,” said Dickerson. “Our vegetables and herbs are the freshest, because we harvest on Monday morning, and people pick up that same afternoon. You can’t get any fresher than that unless it’s in your own backyard garden,” said Sirkin. “I had a lady call me up just to leave a message on my machine telling me she had never tasted broccoli so good in her life,” added Sirkin. “It was really nice to hear that.”

MHCC teacher Jack Schommer and wife Jackie are members of the local CSA farm, and love everything about the freshness and variety of the local growers. “We wouldn’t go anywhere else, because no one can match the freshness and variety,” said Schommer. “I look forward to the pea sprouts every year because of the uniqueness and sweetness of a new green vegetable, along with the other great items,” he said. “We try everything they give us, and look forward to trying out new melons and squashes, along with the normal vegetables and herbs as well,” he added.

There are over 1,500 CSA farms throughout the United States, and the idea and commitment is spreading from the East Coast to the West, according to Sirkin. “We are trying to help the local people connect with the natural earth and her treasures, and these items are bred for flavor and taste, rather than longevity in the stores,” said Sirkin. “Also, we don’t have to worry about the pricing thing, like so much a pound, or whatever. You just get everything you want and it is all the same price, by the share instead.”

“We even offer scholarships to students and people who can’t quite afford the full or half share, and look forward to helping them out if they just come and ask,” she said. “We have people help donate to the scholarship fund, and fund raisers that have made it available to encourage healthier eating for those who might not be able to afford it otherwise,” added Sirkin, “along with opportunities for work-trades as well.”

“People can come out once a week or once a month, and help with harvesting and we encourage them as much as possible to be a part of the team.”

Schommer said, “I like the concept of sustainability and supporting the local farmers, connecting the community with the freshest and best produce you will ever eat, and it’s a natural extension of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you like herbs or veggies, this is the best you will ever get.”

For more information, go to www.dancingrootsfarm.com.