Time to Sign Up for CSA Shares

By Mary Godnick, Adirondack Harvest Program Leader |

What is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model where a member pays for a “share” of a farmer’s offerings in advance, making a commitment to a local farm that they will support them through the season. In return, farmers provide them with food through a designated period of time. This model shares the bounty, risk, and cost between customers and farmers.

Harmony Hills Farmstead is a diversified livestock farm in Malone, NY that offers beef, pork, chicken & eggs through their CSA membership.

How Do They Work?

Every CSA program is different, but there are 2 general ways CSAs work…

You buy a gift card from a farm at a discounted rate that you can use at their location or farmers’ market stand whenever you’d like, on whatever products you choose.

OR

You pay a fee, and you receive a regular delivery or pick-up of products through a designated time period. Some farms let customers can choose what they want with online ordering, some farms fill shares with what is available and it is a surprise for customers.

Sunwarm Gardens in Vermontville, NY offers a weekly flower subscription with home delivery.

Is a CSA Share Right For Me?

A CSA membership is for you if you…

• Enjoy trying new foods
• Love to cook or want to cook at home more
• Would like to eat more local, seasonal food
• Want to support small businesses and farms in your community
• Care about sustainability and environmental conservation
• Have the resources to pay for a season’s worth of food up-front, on a payment plan, or qualify for a free CSA share with Adk Action’s Fair Share program
• Want the security of knowing you will always have fresh food each week
• And much more!

littleGrasse Foodworks in Canton, NY grows veggies, flowers and herbs and offers a variety of free-choice you-pick CSA share options.