How We Market: Community Supported Agriculture
What is a CSA?
Community supported agriculture (CSA) first started in the U.S. in 1985. Founded with the slogan, "Food with a farmer's face on it," CSA arose from people's concerns about food safety and a desire to be closer to their food source. CSA members pay the farmer an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm. In return, the farmer promises to provide members with a weekly share of the harvest throughout the growing season. In this way members share in the risks and satisfaction of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests, and bountiful harvests during favorable growing conditions.
This direct relationship of mutual support between local farmers and community members provides a healthier, ecological, more just alternative to industrial agriculture. CSA fosters a sense of responsibility between people and the food they eat, the land on which it is grown and those who grow it. It provides the grower with a more economically stable farm operation. Most importantly, by joining a CSA farm, you are able to bring fresh organic foods to your table with an understanding of how it is produced. At Redwood Roots Farm, you can hear the vegetables shouting, "Food for the people!"
The CSA membership at Redwood Roots Farm entails a year-long commitment between shareholders and the farmer. Share distribution takes place for 20 weeks during the growing season, beginning in early June and ending in late October.
Produce is harvested two times a week during this time, and shareholders come to the farm on either Tuesday or Friday between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. to pick up their shares. The farm also produces a selection of U-pick crops, including strawberries, raspberries, herbs, and cut flowers. Once the distribution period is complete, shareholders are still able to U-Pick a variety of hardy crops that remain in the field throughout winter.
The share size is intended to provide a week's supply of vegetables for 2-4 people. Single people often find a "veggie pal" with whom to split the share.
Share costs are based on a sliding scale (please call for the current rate). Two payment options are available: payment in full for those who are able, or a deposit with monthly installments. By signing up and paying before June, you help support the farm when expenses are highest. We also have a sponsorship program that allows interested shareholders to be partial or full sponsors of a CSA share for low-income families.
We invite you to participate in the community aspect of our CSA by bringing friends to the farm for walks, picnics, or even a nap in the grass circle. In addition, we offer a spring newsletter, helpful recipes, and farm festivals to make the most of your experience as a Redwood Roots Farm shareholder.
