History of Community Supported Agriculture
The History of Community Supported Agriculture from the Rodale Institute
Article on Dr. Booker T. Whatley: How to Make $100,000 From a 25-Acre Farm from the Washington Post.
Demystifying Community Supported Agriculture from the Rodale Institute
Recent Trends in CSA
The Evolution of the CSA by Darlene Wolnick, Farmers Market Coalition
Part 1: The Rise, Decline, & Reinvention
In many areas of the country, CSAs are reporting declining sales and fewer number of returning customers. The issue is examined in a two-part blog series. Part 1 examines the origins of the CSA movement in the U.S and the current pressures facing CSAs, including the CSA definition, the explosion of box programs run by non-farms, and the barriers to using benefit programs as CSA members. Part 2 takes a look at existing information to offer a path forward for family farms and local producers.
Community Supported Agriculture – New Models for Changing Markets from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and University of Kentucky
The CSA model has evolved significantly as entrepreneurs and market forces have opened opportunities for the use of the model in ways quite unlike the early CSA operations. New products, season extension, multi-farm collaborations, new shareholder groups, marketing collaborations with different organizations, innovative aggregation and delivery strategies, new urban production connections, and health and wellness alliances are among the current trends reshaping the CSA business.
Manuals on Running a CSA
Community Supported Agriculture from ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture: This publication provides a foundation and tools for farmers looking to begin a CSA operation. It also explores many variations to the traditional model that have developed over the last generation and looks into what the future might hold for CSA.
Rural Guide to Community Supported Agriculture from University of Wyoming: A comprehensive guide to managing a CSA.
Be a Part of a CSA manual from Urgenci: Supporting booklet for training on Community Supported Agriculture (European resource)
Building a Legally Resilient CSA Program Workbook from Farm Commons: Farm-based Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are incredibly valueable for sustainable farmers who want to build strong relationships with their community. This workbook explores ways we can keep that trajectory strong by resolving the varied and unqiue legal issues of CSA. We explore a range of potential issues including making the sale, sharing risk, offering gift certificates, dealing with securities laws, managing drop sites, combining farm product, working with volunteers, hosting events, and managing food safety. Through a workbook-style that encourages farmers to reflect on their own priorities and risks, this resource empowers CSA farmers to move forward in creating a strong, resilient CSA program.
Why Your CSA Needs a Membership Agreement and How to Write One from CSA Solutions Hub
Portland Area CSA Coalition
PACSAC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our vision is a community where everyone eats local food, farmers thrive, and CSA is a household name. Our mission is to promote Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) by:
- Directly connecting local CSA farmers with people
- Providing farmers opportunities to learn and grow and meet their business and sustainability goals.
- Educating the public about the CSA experience and the benefits of healthy eating.
Market Boxes
CSA Models: Choosing the right distribution method for your members from CSA Solutions Hub. Many farms mix-and-match their CSA program to suit their personality and growing season, this resource provides a summary of 11 common CSA models and a list of fundamental questions to ask when designing a CSA program.
Roxbury Farm Information for CSA farmers on crop plans, greenhouse plans, and field plans for providing members a variety of crops throughout the season.
A Farmer’s Guide to Marketing through Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) from the University of Tennessee. Pages 3-7 of this guide covers information on what constitutes a share, how to handle substitutions, packaging shares, and pricing shares.
Incorporating “add-ons” from Other Farms
Farm Direct Marketing, Agricultural Products Fact Sheet from the Oregon Department of Agriculture
Farm Direct Marketing, Producer-Processed Products Fact Sheet from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Consignment sales of producer-processed products are not permitted under the Oregon Farm Direct Marketing Law
Local Harvest: A Multifarm CSA Handbook from SARE
Delivery Distribution & Drop Sites
CSA Models: Choosing the right distribution method for your members from CSA Solutions Hub. Many farms mix-and-match their CSA program to suit their personality and growing season, this resource provides a summary of 11 common CSA models and a list of fundamental questions to ask when designing a CSA program.
Considerations for residential area drop sites from Farm Commons
Resources for ALL CSAs
Marketing to New Customers
The Next Wave: Find Your Market: Overview of multiple avenues for finding CSA customers and building a following
Why Your CSA Needs a Membership Agreement and How to Write One from CSA Solutions Hub
Utilizing SNAP & Double Up Food Bucks
The CSA Farmer’s Nationwide Guide to Accepting SNAP/EBT Payments: Guide written by Bryan Allen of Zenger Farm for CSA farms looking to incorporate SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program members.
PACSAC’s SNAP/DUFB FAQ: PACSAC FAQ on how to use SNAP/DUFB programs.
Outreach Tips for Farms that Accept SNAP Payments for CSAs from ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture
Online Sales Platforms
Farmer’s Guide to Direct Sales Software Platforms from Young Farmer Coalition: While markets, restaurants, and other food distribution channels close or reduce operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, farms across the country have expressed interest in using software platforms that support direct sales to consumers in their communities. This publication highlights product options and sales models that farmers may find helpful. The selected products are farm-specific sales platforms that support single-farm, direct sales. Generic e-commerce platforms, platforms that sell farm products to consumers, and farm aggregators or food hubs are not included.
Questions to ask when choosing an online sales platform from Oregon Tilth
Delivery (Options, Pricing, Logistics)
A Farmer’s Guide to Marketing through Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) from University of Tennessee. Pages 5-8 of this guide cover information on pricing the value of your CSA shares.
On-Farm Food Safety during COVID-19: How to Prepare CSA Pick Up Sites from Community Alliance with Family Farmers
Considerations for residential area drop sites from Farm Commons
