What is CSA?
Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between a farmer and the community. CSA members purchase a “share” of the farm’s produce for the season early in the winter or spring when farmers have the greatest expenses yet least amount of incoming cash flow. As a CSA member, you and your family become an integral part of the farm. Your financial support allows us to continue providing food for the community, as well as educational programs to cultivate the next generation of farmers.
Is your CSA a “box model?” What if I don’t like kale?
There are many different CSA models, the most common being the “box model.” In this model, the farmer chooses what vegetables each family will receive in their weekly box. While this is convenient for the farmer, we realize that individual’s tastes and preferences are unique. Our CSA is an “account” or “market model,” in that all of our produce is set out at our stand similar to what you would see at the Farmer’s Market. CSA Members come and pick out however much of whichever vegetables, meat, and eggs they like, and the total is simply deducted from their account. We have many members who buy mostly tomatoes in the summer, and pass on other vegetables.
How big is a share?
When you become a CSA member you are actually purchasing a share of our produce we grow each year.A Full Share is designed for a family of 4 for $500, and couples may purchase a Half Share for $250. Share size is somewhat arbitrary, however, and depends on how much and how often you pick up.
Is there a sign up deadline? When can I add money to my account?
In our flexible CSA model, there are no set deadlines to sign up for an account or to add money to an existing account. What this means is that you can sign up at any point throughout the year. You may add money to your account at any time; most members renew their share when their balance drops below $100.
We go on vacation for several months out of the year. Do I have to worry about missed pick ups?
Our CSA does not include set weekly boxes of produce or mandatory pick up times. It is designed to be flexible and members decide how and when to spend the money on their account. Some members only pick up during tomato season, while others pick up produce throughout the year. Members can pick up Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-5 PM at the CSA Stand and Saturdays 10AM – 2PM at the Bainbridge Farmer’s Market.
What happens if I don’t use up all the money on my account by the end of the year?
Any money left on your account at the end of the year (December 31st) rolls over into the new year.
Where do I pick up my CSA share?
Members can pick up Tuesdays and Thursdays at the CSA Stand or Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Bainbridge Farmer’s Market.