So you want to join a CSA....

Hey everyone!  My name is Kerri and this summer is my 5th year being involved with a CSA.  If you aren't familiar with the concept, a CSA (stands for Community Supported Agriculture) gives an ordinary person an opportunity to be financially involved with a farm during the main growing seasons.  Generally, "shares" of the farm are sold and then produce that is grown is then given to those who bought into the process.  This set up can be both good and bad to both farmer and shareholder.  Because the farmer gets the money in advance, they are better able to use that money to invest their crops.  However, the share holder does take on some of the risk; if there is a drought or an insect issue, the share holder may not get a good return on their investment.

Because of these reasons, and because you are really picking someone that are you going to be involved with  for many weeks, it is important that you pick out a CSA that fits your needs.  The best listing of the major CSA's in your area can be found on Local Harvest.  You can search for CSA's (and farmer markets) in your area and hopefully find one that is taking new members.  When picking out a CSA, it is important to keep the following things in mind:

1. What produce can you expect from the CSA?  Some farms grow the traditional summer crops such as tomatoes, squash, peppers, etc while others will have vegetables that you may have never heard of.  Also, the farm might specialize in turnips or another crop you have no intention of eating.
2. When and where is the CSA pickup?  Farmers have their own lives and commitments and usually have to set the CSA pick up time accordingly.  However, if you work a full time job with kids and sports and the CSA pick up time only goes until 5:30 on the same day your kids have swim team, that probably isn't going to work.
3. Can you do a half share?  The first year of any CSA is usually overwhelming but the good news is that many CSA's allow half shares, meaning, you only get half as many tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc.  If you aren't sure what you are going to do with a full share, or if you know you will be traveling a lot or having a baby, a half share is a great option.
4. Does your CSA have eggs?  I love it when they do, but it isn't always an option.
5. Does the CSA also participate in a farmer's market?  This one can be tricky.  See, the farmer already has your money.  You are a sure thing.  There is nothing worst then picking up yet another 4 pounds of kale and seeing beautiful green beans out for purchase.  Some CSA's can do both effortlessly, but it is always a good question to ask.
6. Does your CSA have a work requirement?  I have actually never seen this in my area, but it is something I have heard about.  For me, its not really a deal breaker, but again, if you are working a full time job and the kids are in swim team, you may not have the time to put into farm work.
7. Is the farm certified organic?  This is one of those personal questions that means something different to any one who might ask it.  It just depends on what is your goal and what is important do you.  The main thing is to talk to the farmer and ask them what method they use.  Just because a farm is not certified organic does not mean that they don't use organic practices on their crops.
8. What season does the CSA cover and when do you need to sign up?  Usually sign ups are held in the winter and many CSAs sell out of their shares many weeks before the first pick up date.

If you have any other questions about finding a CSA, just leave a comment.  I am looking forward to another great season!