Community Supported Agriculture (or more commonly known as CSA) is when consumers share the costs of supporting the farm and share the risk of variable harvests (and also share the over-abundance of a particularly fruitful years).

Landisdale Farm 2010 CSA

How long?

The length of the season is 22 weeks- (the first week of June thru the last week of October)
 
How much does a share include?

A share includes 6-8 items each week. Item 1 may be three peppers. Item 2 may be one bunch swiss chard. And so on... (Click here for last year share pictures)

How do I know if I should get a full or medium share?

We will give some recommendations this. Please note your family could vary from this recommendation.We suggest the full share to a household of three-four persons. And the medium share we suggest to household of one-two people. Also this word of advice: go with the smaller option if you are unsure. It is very easy to switch to a full share later. You are able to split shares with friends and family. Please make these arrangements prior to signing up.

What happens if I miss my pick-up?

We will informed when the pick-up times are and how long they last. But in the event that this happens. The food is donated to a local food pantry. Also if you know you are not able to pick-up tell a friend and have them pick-up for you. You may even share some of the veggies with them, if you like.

Am I able to pick-up before or after the times that are listed?

Please respect these times. We want all of you to be able to pick-up your boxes. We have a full schedule as well.

How did this whole idea get started?

The CSA started in Japan in 1965 where it is known as a Teikei, which translates to partnership or cooperation.  A group of Japanese women became concerned with the increased use of synthetic chemicals, the prevalence of processed foods and corresponding decline in the farm population.   To alleviate this, the women initiated a direct, cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship with local farmers whereby they would purchase a share of the farmer’s crop at the start of the season thereby participating in the farmer’s success and ensuring local grown produce with quality.
In the 1980’s the concept was brought to United States from Europe – where it was adopted earlier.  Through the last couple of decades, CSA’s have spread across the US and Canada and number in the thousands across the continent.

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I want good, wholesome fruits and vegetables for my family, at a reasonable cost, peak freshness, and in turn want to help out a local farm?” My answer was yes, and I found Landisdale Farm. We participated in this CSA program for the first time in the summer of 2008. We enjoyed it so much that we continued with their winter share in 2009. My daughter’s love going to the farm and picking out vegetables. We are looking forward to June to start going again!

-Monica

According to Elizabeth Henderson,
"The essence of the relationship is the mutual commitment:
the farm feeds the people, the people support the farm
and share the inherent risks and potential bounty."