With all CSAs you’ll be making a commitment ahead of the season to purchase a share of that farm’s products. In return, you’ll get a box of delicious food carefully grown for flavor and nutrition by farmers who care for the soil and ecosystem.

When do I join? Before the growing season begins (between December and April), you’ll select a farm, a pick up location, and the size/type of share you prefer. Your purchase helps the farmer plan and pay for getting the season going.

The growing and delivery season usually lasts from June to November and some farms also offer a fall or winter share.

Contact the Farmer(s): Visit the farm websites and Facebook pages, talk directly with the farmers to determine which farm is right for you, and sign up.

Then consider what’s inside the box. You’ll want to choose the farm share that is right for you. The size and content of what’s in the box varies among farms and throughout the growing season. Depending on the farm you select, you can choose full/half/quarter shares and may be able to order extras such as eggs, meat and honey. Some farms offer members choices about what goes in their shares each delivery.

Consider whether you prefer weekly or bi-weekly deliveries and if vacation holds are important to you. You may also decide to split a share with a friend or neighbor. Along with your box, you’ll also get a newsletter with farm updates, recipes and tips.

The prices and payment options vary depending on the farm and share you choose. Some farms ask for full payment when you sign up; others have installment plans. To make memberships more affordable, some CSA farms offer payment plans, assistance funds or opportunities to work on the farm in exchange for your share or take Quest cards.

The farmers listed on our website are local farmers from SE WI who have at least 2 years experience operating a CSA or equivalent farming experience. They have pledged to use sustainable farming practices that protect our soils, water and health. They also pledge to communicate regularly with their CSA members and to be open about their farming practices. They grow and produce the majority of what is in their CSA shares.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is much more than just a weekly or bi-weekly food delivery. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a powerful investment in your health, community, and local economy. Choosing a CSA is about connecting to a farm and your food.

• Savor hand-picked fresh-grown produce full of nutrients and free of harmful chemicals.
• Eat what’s in season and enjoy a diversity of locally grown food.
• Sprout a relationship with your farmer and community members. Know who is growing your food and how it’s grown.
• Choose to spend your dollars with farmers who use sustainable growing methods and are good stewards of the land.
• Ensure fair compensation for family farmers. Help keep nearby small farms thriving and more dollars circulating in our local economy.

CSAs are great for people who

• Value their partnership with a local farmer.
• Like to cook and whose schedule allows for making homemade meals most days.
• Think it’s fun to try new veggies and to start with what’s in the box each week.
• Appreciate the convenience of picking up a box your farmer hand-packs for you rather than taking the time of having to shop for your produce.
• Are willing to expect some unknowns -- depending on what grows well on the farm each year.
• Have thought about what to do with overabundance. Perhaps they gift a neighbor or have plans for freezing or preserving extra food.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your share. We’ve put together this collection of tips and recipes to help you efficiently use the contents of your CSA box. Whether you’re a CSA newbie or a member for many seasons, these tips will help you stock your pantry, prepare healthy quick meals and put away extras for future meals.