Local produce from Bio Farm of Kelseyville. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Community Co-op announced its all organic modified community supported agriculture boxes were sourced from all local producers this week.

Produce for the boxes this week include organic sweet and hot peppers, cherry tomatoes, new potatoes and purple globe eggplant from Bio Farm in Kelseyville and organic green zucchini from Leonardis Organics in Lakeport.

Additionally, individual items can be purchased from Bio Farm, Dancing Tree People Organics and Leonardis Organics and value added producers, such as Main Street Bakery, Villa Barone and the Wilits grain project through FOODS, the co-op's online ordering system.

The co-op's weekly modified CSA boxes are sourced from local organic growers first, regional organic growers second and organic distributors lastly with attention paid to the source of produce.

Barbara Christwitz, co-op member and Buying Club organizer, was delighted with the news. “Due to our late spring rains this year, most of our growers experienced a challenging and late harvest season. To finally have our boxes completely sourced local, which we haven't been able to do since last Summer, is just exciting. It brings us closer to our vision of a sustainable local food system.”

She further espoused the benefits to the environment, economy and community when the boxes can be sourced solely from Lake County farmers. “Our local producers are doing what they can to increase their variety and lengthen the growing season in Lake County so we can benefit more from their efforts. We wholeheartedly appreciate this effort!”

Additionally, the co-op announced they've displayed drop point signs at the nine drop points around the county to help local residents identify where in their community they can receive co-op deliveries.

The signs, designed by Kathy Wolden, sport the co-op's unmistakable green leaf logo and are seen at Lake County Wine Studio in Upper Lake, the Featherbed Railroad B&B in Nice, Common Grounds Coffee House in the Riviera, Bikram Yoga in Lower Lake, Cobb Mountain Video, Watershed Bookstore in Lakeport and Lovies Garden Emporium in Middletown.

“It's really about community,” said co-op steering committee member Allen Markowski. “We're partnering with local businesses to also help strengthen our local economy, in addition to the work we're doing for the local food system.”

The co-op was started in 2007 as a response to the community's desire to create a stronger local food system.

They also sponsor the Friday Night Farmers' Market in Clearlake (5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Redbud Park), community garden efforts and an educational series through their nonprofit arm, CREATE.

For more information on all of the Co-op and CREATE's endeavors, go to www.lakeco-op.org or call 707-993-4270.