Shopping For A CSA Farm
There are many things to consider when shopping for a Community Supported Agriculture farm, better known as CSA. It’s important to do your research and find the farm best suited to your needs. CSA farms can be as different as farmers who own them. You’ll want to find a farm that offers what you’re looking for, offers a price you can afford and more.
A “share” consists of a portion of the harvest for the season. Most but not all farms grow vegetables. When you talk with your prospective farmer you should ask several questions. You’ll want to know when the season starts and ends. How many weeks are included in the fee, and what is the fee? How much food should you expect each week. Each week will vary as the season starts up, levels out and winds down but the farmer should be able to give you an idea of what to expect. If you’re a single person or couple you might not need a full share. Is there a half share available? Half shares require as much paper work as a full share so plan to pay a bit over half the cost of a full share. If a half share isn’t available you can split your share and its cost with a friend after you receive it. Will your large family need more than one share? An estimate of how much food to plan on will make this decision easier. Successful growing seasons depend on certain things farmers can’t control. A hot and dry or cold and wet summer can make big differences in harvests. A perfect summer is a farmer’s best friend.
What is included in your share? Will you receive more than vegetables? Does the farm grow fruit? Will there be fresh bread, honey or value added foods? Can you add an egg or flower share for an additional fee? If you’re able to find a farm that offers meats such as chicken you’re in for a treat.
CSA farms are built around community. You might be allowed or required to work on the farm. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your farmer and other members and learn a lot about the food you’re eating each week. If you have time during the day you might be asked to harvest or pack shares. Not an outdoor sort of person? There’s plenty you can do to help. You might be the right person to write a newsletter for members. You could serve as a drop off point where shares are left for other members to pick up. Bookkeeping skills are often needed. If you’re a great cook you might want to contribute a recipe that includes some of the foods in the week’s share. Talk with your farmer to find out what he or she needs and how you can help.
An important option in the decision making process includes pick up or delivery. You’ll want to know what day or days your farm requires shares be picked up. If the farm isn’t conveniently located near you there might be a pick-up point closer to home. Does the farm deliver? Is there an extra fee for delivery to cover the farmer’s time and gas?
One of the most important questions you should ask when choosing a CSA farm is “What else should I know?” They’ll fill you in on things I haven’t covered.
If organic food is important to you be sure to ask about the farm’s growing practices. Many farms will welcome you onto the farm at specific times to give you a tour and explain what they’re doing and why. You might be able to see pastured poultry or grass-fed beef and learn why these methods are so important in the life of the animal and quality of meat.
Everyone will benefit from fresh food. It’s important in this day and age of fast living to buy local and support family farms. Enjoy the season!
Robin Follette is a market farmer. She and husband Steve own Thyme For Ewe Farm in Maine. Robin, husband Steve and daughter Taylor farm 45 acres of diversified vegetable crops, a woodlot and a small collection of rare breeds livestock and poultry.