What is a CSA anyway?   

  1. CSA or Community Supported Agriculture is like a vegetable subscription. Throughout the summer, members come to a pre-determined distribution location to pick up their allotment either weekly or on alternating weeks. There are different sized shares and different types of shares to choose from. Many people choose to partake in a CSA not just because it supports local farmers, but because it often helps you to save money. Since you pay for the share far in advance, if the price of vegetables or food suddenly goes up, it would not affect you. Also, many CSA members report reduced trips to the grocery store or farmers markets. While money is a powerful motivator, we see the main goal of CSA as improved health. We don’t like to say that it “forces” people to eat more vegetables, but members often experience more variety and quantity of vegetables than they had previously.

  2. If you’d like more in-depth information on CSA Click Here for Local Harvest’s explanation and history of CSA.


Why is our CSA different?

  1. Most CSAs have their members take a box of pre-packed vegetables, filled with whatever the farm has in abundance. This option provides for a faster pick-up, but eliminates the ability to choose which vegetables you receive.

  2.     We’ve chosen the Farmers Market style distribution. This enables members to choose the vegetables they’d like to take home.

     Shareholders also receive a weekly e-mail to remind you of the upcoming distribution. In the email you can expect farm updates, what to expect at distribution as well as a few recipes or tips. We also keep people informed via Facebook and on our blog.

     The farm also hosts at least one tour for all the members to attend, usually during the peak of harvest. The main attraction is our Tomato Tasting- where members are invited to rate the tomatoes while you take a stroll around the main farm.


Here’s what happens at our distributions:

  1.    Our system is a little different, but once you get used to it you’ll find it’s the best way to get everything you need. After you’ve checked in with the farmer-in-charge, just look for a large sign telling you how many “items” to choose in total, which varies each week.

  2.      On each type of vegetable there will be instructions for half and full shares. (Every-Other-Week shares follow half share instructions). Just pick out your vegetables, counting how many items you’ve accrued and you’re done! The first few times can be confusing, but we’ll do our best to explain it to you.


The History of Our CSA

2010 marks our fifth year of CSA! Of course, when we first began the CSA, it was little more than an experiment in marketing. Rebecca had been researching
the idea at MSU and we had all seen that CSA presents a great opportunity to connect with customers. After some time talking with friends and fellow farmers we finally decided in 2006 to start the CSA. We began our first year with three locations, Okemos, Lansing and the Farm. We had a little over 50 members in our first year, and we experimented with the number of items to take and different systems to use. Our members ultimately helped us to refine our system and communications to best serve the growing demand. In our second year we took on a little less than 100 members. The third season we expanded to about 150 members and added Mason and East Lansing as distribution locations. Then in 2009 we expanded more significantly with 255 members and added a drop at Sparrow hospital. This year we’ve decided to open up shares to 300+ members if possible. Thanks to our great crew we have made a smooth transition over the years, and hope to continue to grow as the land allows.


If you’d like to become a 2010 Member please go to our “Become a Member” page. Sign-up ends April 2010.