If the term CSA brings visions of communist era youth groups, you are only partly correct.  CSAs, otherwise known as Community Supported Agriculture, enable the average person to become a seasonal shareholder in a farm, or a group of farms.  Could it be any easier than this to become a “farmer”?  CSA shares let you enjoy the farmer’s bounty without the long grueling hours and dirty work.

For me it is my chance to remedy my angst over never being sent to work on a kibbutz in high school!

Many people find themselves in a produce rut, unable to branch out, often for suspiciously vague reasons.  By joining a CSA you get to experience a wide variety of produce.  Being exposed to vegetables you would not normally buy at the grocery store is a great way to expand your home cooked meal repertoire.  I also love that most CSAs provide recipes, either online or when you pick up the produce.  

There are tons of CSAs in the Twin Cities area; so choosing just one may be the hardest part! I found a great web site with a comprehensive listing of the CSAs in our area.  The Land Stewardship 2008 CSA directory will guide you in the right direction, BUT NOW is the time to act since many of the CSA summer shares sell out very quickly.  

Choosing which CSA to join will take a small amount of homework on your part.  Here are a few key things to consider when picking a CSA:

1. Find a farm share that fits your budget.  Farm shares vary in prices depending on if you pick a full or half share.  Some CSAs will give you credit for your volunteer time at their farm.

2. Read the farm’s web page to determine where the pick up location is.  Some CSAs have different options for picking up your bounty.  Some farms require you to go out to their farm while others have scheduled pick up sites in the metro area.

3. Also check the farm’s web page for the types of produce they typically provide each week.  Most CSAs will list what a typical box of produce will entail.

4. Many farms allow you to visit in person, which may help to narrow down your choice.

5. Lastly, don’t forget to look at the farm’s web page for the other types of shares available, such as: flower shares, cheese shares, egg shares and some even have meat shares.

By joining a CSA you are also taking a risk.  Farming is not a guaranteed business – there are many factors that can hinder crops.  Much depends on the whims of Mother Nature.

Spring is around the corner --- what better time is there to invite more LOCAL GREENS into your life?


Chris James of Fresh Earth Farms was interviewed on page 12 of the Blue Sky Guide, keep an eye out for the full length interview here on the site and use the Fresh Earth coupon ($20 off a two-person or more subscription).

Harmony Valley Farm ($10 off the weekly vegetable box or $5 off every-other-week box)

Rock Spring Farm ($25 on any CSA vegetable purchase)

Women's Environmental Institute ($20 off a CSA membership or 20% off any class or program)