Minnesota Grown

CSA 101

Understanding Community Supported Agriculture

Find Your CSA!

What is Community Supported Agriculture?

Community supported agriculture "consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production." - USDA

Understand the Process:

Become a Member

By signing up for a CSA you join a community. Consider drop-off locations, cost, timing, and product availability when selecting your CSA.

Pay Ahead

By providing payment upfront you take on the shared farm risk, and form a relationship with the farmer. Regardless of the harvest, the farm will survive to the next season.

Pick-up Your Goods

Either weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly you will pick up your CSA box from a designated drop site. Get to know your farmer and fellow members at pick-ups.

Enjoy!

Get creative with your regular flow of fresh fruits, veggies, and local products. Try new recipes, stretch your culinary skills, eat with a friend, and reflect on your food system.

Here are a few key considerations when picking a CSA:

  1. Location: find a pick-up location that is convenient for you.
  2. Box Size, Frequency & Price: many farms offer a range of share sizes, or the option to pick up every other week. Pick a size that is right for you and your family, or consider teaming up with a friend, neighbor, or colleague.
  3. Add-ons: if you are interested in a share with the option to purchase eggs, meat, baked goods, flowers or other goodies, look for a CSA with those options.

Looking for all the information? We've put together a list of questions to ask a farmer as you seek out the CSA that is perfect for you.

 

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pick-up sites around the state
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Minnesota Grown CSA farms statewide