BRUNSWICK — On Feb. 25, farmers from throughout the area will gather at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Pleasant Street from 1-3 p.m. to help residents decide where to buy produce during the summer and fall.

All farms at the fair will offer Community Supported Agriculture, where community members pay up front for weekly shares of a farm’s harvest. Many farms also offer farm stand credit, where members can pick out their own vegetables from the farm’s market stand.

Typically, either type of share must be paid for in the spring, when farmers can be short on cash. Produce deliveries and pick-ups will continue through early fall.

So far, seven local farms will be represented at the fair, although organizer Jeanne Johnson said she is hoping for more.

The farms range from Johnson’s own Juniper Edge Farm, which at seven shares is one of the smallest CSAs, to Bowdoinham’s Small Wonder Organics, which offers 45 shares. Also represented are Fresh Start Farm, which is run by immigrant and refugee farmers, Fairwinds Farm in Topsham, Life Force Farm in Bowdoinham, Phoenix Farm in Monmouth and 3 Level Farm in Phippsburg.

This year, the CSA fair will be less about signing up members and more focused on making connections between farmers and area residents.

“We’re trying to this year gear it as not just a CSA fair, but as an opportunity to come during the winter months and get to know some of the farms,” Sarah Trask, of Small Wonder Organics, said.

Johnson said the fair is very casual, and people have the opportunity to chat with many different farmers before deciding which CSA, if any, they want to join.

“It’s putting faces to the food,” she said.

Emily Guerin can be reached at 781-3661 ext.123 or eguerin@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @guerinemily.

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Jeanne Johnson chops wood during the off season at Juniper Edge Farm in Brunswick.

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