CSA Q&A and Reference Lists

By christi | Community, Uncategorized | 0 comment | 30 April, 2013 | 0

In the February 18, 2013 blog post, we highlighted a few local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) options that deliver to our local area. Spring is finally starting to creep upon Wisconsin and it is time to start thinking about spring planting. Now is the time to join a CSA if you haven’t already done so.

To help you sort out a few of the CSAs that deliver to the Hudson area, here is a reference list where you can sort based on your needs.

Below are answers to common questions about CSAs.

What is a CSA? CSA is a locally based food system whereby consumers pledge to buy “shares” of produce from local farms at the beginning of the growing season. CSAs create a cooperative relationship between producer and consumer which reduces a farmer’s growing risk while providing customers with fresh vegetables and fruit throughout the season. They promote more sustainable agricultural practices and encourage the use of specialized varieties suited to specific growing sites. The result is environmentally friendly and highly nutritious field ripened products with incredible flavor.

What if the weather doesn’t enable to good growing season? Remember, while membership in a CSA means sharing in the bounty, it also means sharing in the risk. Sometimes inclement weather, temperatures, pest infestations, and other factors are beyond the farmers’ control. As such, some crops may not produce as planned. Please contact the farms directly to inquire about situations such as these.

How do I select a CSA? Every CSA is different. From the crops they raise, to the length of the season, to the quantities and cost, to the dates and locations they deliver.
We have compiled a reference list of a few local CSAs. Look through the list based on your needs and find a CSA that is right for you!

Can I ask the farmer a few questions about my “share”? Yes! Before you join a CSA, it is highly recommended that you ask questions about your commitment. A good farmer should be forthcoming
with answers. A few questions to consider: How many seasons have you been doing a CSA? How many years have you been farming? What size is my share and what is the cost? How do you store and transport the produce? My I visit the farm and are there any shareholder events? What are some of the risks? Where are the drop-off locations?

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