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Have you ever wished you could click “Subscribe” on local food? Well, actually, you can!
Community Supported Agriculture, better known as CSA, is a business model for farms where a customer pays a “share” of the next season’s premium up front. This model allows farmers to make the initial investments needed to start their season, and provides members with the benefits – typically, a weekly allotment of the freshest produce possible.
Together with the CSA Innovation Network, we are celebrating CSA Week from February 20-26. This week is the perfect time to explore local CSA programs and sign up for the upcoming growing season!
“Traditional” CSAs
Although every CSA is different, a common standard for CSAs manifests in the form of a weekly packed box of fresh produce from a single farm.
In the west side of Traverse City and the Leelanau area, head to Loma Farm, 9 Bean Rows, Second Spring Farm or Homestead Hill for great organic options.
To the east, and in County Antrim, head to Undertoe Farm in Kewadin and Providence Organic Farm of Central Lake, whose delivery range spans several counties.
Market CSA
CSAs have also evolved to provide more flexibility for both the customer and the farm.
For example, Coveyou Scenic Farm Market in Petoskey offers both a traditional share with a weekly box of vegetables, but also an “open market” share where you essentially pay in advance for whatever you choose to bring back from the market, making sure your products fit into your meal plan.
Other farms offer shares that work like a prepaid gift card, with early sign-up perks.
Check out Z&N Farm in Bear Lake, Daybreak Dreamfarm in East Jordan, or Bluebird Farm and Gardens in Empire for that “market style” prepaid CSA action.
cooperative CSAs
Cooperative CSAs bring together multiple sources of local fruits, vegetables and more in one box.
MI Farm Co-op in Leelanau County is a co-operative of 12 different local farms, and offers not only fruits and vegetables, but also bread and eggs in each box, as well as the ability to add different proteins.
Similarly, the Torch Lake Co-op in County Antrim also offers a CSA of its member farms.
There are even local businesses that deliver local produce as part of a subscription-style service, such as Farm Fresh Delivery, which serves Kalkaska from Traverse City to Charlevoix, or Local Eats Delivery, which covers the northernmost regions, like Mackinaw City and Petoskey.
Product Specific CSAs
Looking for something specific to subscribe to?
For those who love cherry season, Hallstedt Homestead offers a seasonal cherry CSA, while Cherry Hill Farm offers farm-fresh flower subscriptions throughout the summer.
For those looking for sustainable protein, Danu Hof and Up North Heritage Farm offer a CSA-like “club” to stock your freezer, with discounts and other benefits for membership. As another option, Bluestem Farm in eastern Jordan offers a range of specialty CSA parts – such as eggs, chicken and pork – to a traditional vegetable part.
So what are you waiting for? Join a CSA in 2022 and make a difference for yourself and your local food economy! You can search for CSA farms at localdifference.org/csa.
So with all these different options for tapping into your local food web, how do you choose?
The Michigan Statewide CSA Network is hosting virtual office hours February 20-26 to answer your CSA questions and connect you with a program in your area. Join this fair from the comfort of your home and have a local expert suggest the best options for your family’s eating habits. Learn more at: https://www.localdifference.org/blog/its-time-to-sign-up-for-a-csa/.
Check out our top 7 tips for getting the most out of your CSA at https://www.localdifference.org/blog/csa-tips/.
