What is a CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA consists of individuals who come together to support a farm by purchasing “shares” in advance, before the growing season gets underway. Members also share the risks associated with farming and poor harvests due to unpredictable weather conditions, pests, natural disasters, etc. In return for their commitment, members receive a bountiful share of what we harvest throughout the growing season and gain knowledge and satisfaction of being able to participate in local agriculture and the local food system. By purchasing direct from our farm, you support your local economy, foster community support, join us in becoming stewards of the land, and help local small farms like us continue to operate.

#1 : Is a CSA Membership right for you?

We don’t want to turn anyone away from joining our CSA! However, we want all our potential members to know what they are signing up for. 

#2 : How does a CSA work?

As a CSA Member, Iron & Elder Farm will provide you with freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, and herbs for a certain amount of time. The amount of time depends on whether you choose a “Full Share” of 23 weeks of produce from May- mid November, a 12 week “Summer Share” from May-July, or an 11 week “Fall Share” from late August- mid November. Really, you are purchasing a “share” of the produce we will grow, in advance, and once things are ready to harvest… you reap the benefits!

When you sign up to become a CSA member, you will choose whether you want to pick up your box inside Miss Lucille’s Marketplace (2231-L Madison St.) in the “Mini Market” on Tuesdays between 3-6pm or at our farm on Sango Rd (5470 Sango Rd) on Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Each week you can bring your own vessel (a bag, box, basket, etc) to your pick-up location and collect the items we’ve harvested for you for that week OR you can grab the produce box we’ve provided and return it the following week.  

Please note that it is important that you arrive during the set “pick-up” hours assigned for our pick-up location.

Check out the “CSA Calendar Overview” below to see the schedule for each share option.

What’s in a Share?

YOUR SHARE WILL BE PACKED FULL OF THE BEST SEASONAL VEGETABLES AVAILABLE IN OUR FIELDS EACH WEEK.

The specific veggies you find in your box will change through the seasons: from radishes and lettuces in spring to zucchini, tomatoes & peppers in summer, on through broccoli and cauliflower in fall.

Each share will contain approximately 7-10 different vegetables. Several of these veggies will be familiar staples, like kale, lettuce, carrots, onions or potatoes. Then there will be a few highly seasonal items: these will be things like broccoli, tomatoes, peas and peppers. And each week there will be one vegetable that you might be less familiar with. These could be things like hakurei turnips or kohlrabi: items you’re unlikely to find at a grocery store but that are delicious & wonderful veggies!

#3 : Review Our CSA Terms & Conditions

These are the rules & guidelines that your guide your CSA Membership. Please review them carefully as there is information in there on just about everyting, from pick up day & time to payment to splitting shares to vacation weeks.

#4 : ARE YOU IN? LET’S GET YOU SIGNED UP!

CSA CALENDAR OVERVIEW

Fall Share Calendar Highlights:

• Aug. 22nd/ 23rd- Start Date
• Aug. 22nd/ 23rd thru October 3rd/ 4th uninterrupted weekly deliveries
• October 10th/11th- Fall Break, no CSA
• October 17th/18th thru November 7th/8th uninterrupted weekly deliveries
• November 7th/ 8th- Last Scheduled delivery