CSA Day is here! If you haven’t yet signed up for your CSA share this summer, now’s the time. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is the name of a direct marketing relationship between farmers and subscription consumers. When you join a CSA, you are purchasing a season’s share of the farm’s products. While the terms of the membership differ from farm to farm, CSA shares are usually purchased for a set price early in the season in exchange for weekly boxes of mixed produce. The partnership allows consumers to share in the seasonal rhythms of diversified farms, enjoying the successful bounties and helping to stabilize crop failures.
There are many different types of CSAs to fit different needs. Some of the factors to consider when comparing CSAs in your area:
- Size and share
- Production practices (organic vs. conventional)
- Cost and payment options
- Products available
- Pre-selected shares vs. free choice
- Farm pick-up vs. home/worksite delivery
- Add-on options
- Interactive, education, or social events
Our on-line CSA Directory lists farms all over the state for you to consider and is searchable by which counties the farm serves, if the farm is certified organic, what seasons they offer CSA shares, what products the farm offers, and if the farm has any special payment options. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few farms, check out their websites or give them a call to learn more details and figure out if that farm is the right fit for you. You can also contact our NOFA-VT Direct Marketing Program staff, Erin Buckwalter ([email protected], 434-4122) and Michael Good ([email protected], 434-4122), for help too!
CSAs are a great way to enjoy the seasonal bounty of Vermont while supporting local farms. We hope you’ll sign-up for a CSA today!