What is CSA?

CSA = Community Supported Agriculture

Being part of a CSA farm means you are part of a good food community - buying the freshest local food directly from the farmers who produce it.   It is typically a once weekly pick up or delivery of local food - often vegetables, but fruit, eggs, breads/grains, dairy products, meats and more can be part of a CSA program.

Membership
Most farms expect their members to sign up for the whole farm season before the growing season begins.  Some farms do offer partial season options.

Pick-up or Delivery  
This varies by farm - some will deliver to your door, some have one or more pick up sites in a town, and others have pick up only at the farm.

Season Length
In Wisconsin, most CSA seasons are 18-22 weeks, running from June to October/November.

Payment Options
Many CSAs ask members to pay upfront for the membership, but some offer payment plans throughout the season.  Some CSAs have work exchange programs, where people can volunteer at the farm in exchange for their week's share.  Others have assistance programs to help low income families pay for a share.

Value (Price & Community Opportunities)
CSA is often a great value for the member - a great savings compared to buying organic vegetables at a retail grocery store.  CSA can also have many added community values, including:  weekly newsletters with recipes and farm updates, parties, farm tours, educational opportunities, U pick, and more!

Healthy Farm Practices
Most farms who operate CSAs are very concerned with how healthy their food is for people, and also how healthy their practices are for the earth.  Many use organic practices, and some are USDA certified organic.

Shared Harvest
Many CSAs believe in sharing their harvest - when a certain crop or the season is very abundant, most CSA farms pass that harvest along to their members.  On the other hand, it's possible a hail storm could take out half the pepper crop or a heavy rain could wash away the carrot seeds.  In some CSAs the members have agreed to share the risk and do with fewer peppers or carrots.  Other CSAs will buy supplemental vegetables from other growers in the case of crop failures.

Ask Your Farmer
Talk to the farmer of the CSA you'd like to join if you have any remaining questions.  They're a wealth of knowledge, and they'll be happy to share it with you.