CSA 101: Your guide to securing fresh produce directly from Wisconsin farmers

While many Wisconsin farmers’ markets have significantly downsized and moved inside or closed for the winter, there’s still an easy and affordable way to secure fresh produce for the rest of the year right now: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA for short.)

🌽 What is CSA? 

It’s a program where customers purchase a share of a farmer’s production before the growing season begins and, in return, receive just-picked produce throughout the year directly from your farmer. Shares are conveniently boxed and delivered to a pick-up site near you, so you don’t have to wait in lines or worry your favorite booth will run out during market season.

MORE: The Most Common CSA Questions, Answered

TIP: Most CSAs let you pick the frequency: Every week, every month, etc., as well as the size of your box. If you live alone, or are afraid you won’t use the full shipment of produce, consider splitting a share with a friend or neighbor!

🌽 How does it help?

Not only will you get reliable, fresh produce–farmers will receive the financial security they need to distribute the remainder of their harvest at a better price, which helps the rest of the community, especially people who can’t usually afford high-quality, good-for-you food.

🌽 When do I join? 

Before the growing season begins, so now through April! But, be warned: Wisconsin’s most popular farms limit their number of shares and sell-out. We recommend securing your box as soon as you decide upon one!

🌽 How do I join?

LocalHarvest is the easiest-to-navigate website. Just type in what you’re looking for–whether it’s a specific farm or a general CSA program–and select your city. You’ll then get a full list of your local options!

Not in Wisconsin? All 50 states use LocalHarvest, so you can search for a CSA wherever you live. Click here to find one near you.

🌽 Which farm should I choose?

Here are the top picks in each region (click on each link for a full list):

Northwestern Wisconsin CSAs

Northeastern Wisconsin CSAs

Southwestern Wisconsin CSAs

Southeastern Wisconsin CSAs

And by Wisconsin’s biggest cities:

💚 Milwaukee-Area CSAs

💚 Madison-Area CSAs

💚 Green Bay-Area CSAs

Four Questions to Consider Before Joining a CSA:

⁉️ How much produce do I actually want?

Most first-time buyers’ eyes are bigger than their stomachs. Most farms offer multiple size boxes, including half shares, every-other-week boxes, and/or the option to split a box with another family (of your choice!)

Tip: Many fruits and vegetables have a much longer life than you think… IF stored correctly.

MORE: How to Make Your Fresh Produce Last Longer

⁉️ Is the CSA organic? 

If organic produce is important to you, you’ll want to do your research. Some farms are “Certified Naturally Grown,” some are GMO-free, and some do use chemicals. All this information should be available to you, and if not, just ask!

MORE: 4 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Eating Organic

⁉️ How friendly is my CSA farm?

Many CSAs have an open door policy, and love when families with kids shop by to see where their food comes from. Some even offer special days where you can visit the farm to learn about how a farm runs.

Tip: Really interested in farm life? Some CSAs even offer a work share program where you can commit to working a set number of hours on the farm in exchange for fresh produce!

⁉️ What other add-ons are available?

Besides vegetables, some CSA’s offer other types of shares including: eggs, homemade bread, meat, cheese, fruit, and flowers. Most Wisconsin farms are incredibly accommodating.

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