As we near the end of the spring season, I want to share a little about what makes Community Supported Agriculture, CSA, so special
to me. One of the big things that sets CSA apart as a model is the concept of shared risk. CSA isn’t just a subscription service. It’s a promise on our part to do the best we can to grow your vegetables. And it is an act of faith on your part to support us no matter what the season will bring.
Farming can be risky business. Many factors that are out of our control as farmers can result in crop failures: drought, excessive rain, hail, wind storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, unexpected illness or accidents, etc. Even if we are successful in growing a crop, we still have to sell it! This year really highlights the unpredictability of the market for fresh produce. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many farmers haven’t been able to sell their crops. There is plenty of risk in farming. And typically all of this risk is borne by the farmer.
CSA, on the other hand, is a community of people rallying behind the farmer. It is as if you are saying “we think what you do is important, so we are going to bear some of that financial risk.” Your membership is an endorsement of our farm. By joining our CSA, you are affirming that you trust us to grow your food for you. You think we are good at what we do. You think that what we do is important.
Another part of CSA I really like is the direct relationship with our customers. It is true that we haven’t met all of you in person, but we try to connect as much as possible! You can feel good that the price you pay for your vegetables is paid directly to us, the farmer. Just like buying from us at the farmers market, you are getting the freshest produce possible
because it is going straight from the farm to you. I love that!
Some farmers don’t like the CSA model because they don’t like being indebted to their members. They don’t like the idea of taking money for something they haven’t grown yet.
And that is completely valid. I find being indebted to our members to be both humbling and motivating. Humbling that you have put your trust in us. Motivating because I want to prove that we are worthy of that trust
I know CSA isn’t for everyone. Many of our farmers market customers have told me that they like to spread their food dollar around and support many different farmers at the market. Others may not cook at home as much. Others still may not want to give up the element of choice. I don’t want to make anyone feel badly if CSA is not right for them. A diverse farm is a resilient farm, and that includes a diversity of market channels, of which CSA is just one. So thank you to all our customers and supporters. We are privileged to grow your food for you!
Small Shares
- Green Cabbage
- Napoli Carrots
- Chioggia Beets
- Rainbow Chard
- Salanova Lettuce Mix
Full Shares
- Green Cabbage
- Napoli Carrots
- Chioggia Beets
- Rainbow Chard
- Salanova Lettuce Mix
- Crunchy King Radishes
- Red Russian Kale
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