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Re: More on Pricing



Maybe in a week or two we should have a discussion aboutr core groups. In theory,
if not always (often?) in practice, they are a good idea.

Sarah Milstein wrote:

> Leigh --
>
> I'm sorry to hear that your core group experience was not a positive one.
> Yours is certainly not the first testimony I've heard to that effect, and
> I'm aware that many CSA farms operate without core groups.  Just Food's CSA
> program is set up to help New Yorkers establish core groups, to connect
> regional farmers with NYC core groups, and to help the core groups and
> farmers sustain mutually beneficial relationships (which generally requires
> a good deal of education on both sides).  I mentioned the Just Food
> materials, not to suggest that you work with a core group, but because the
> tip sheet on budgets is very specific about how farmers can reach a share
> price and what information they may choose to share with their members.  Due
> to the nature of the Just Food program, the tip sheet assumes core groups as
> an audience; the information, however, is directly relevant to farmers (and
> discusses the whole-farm budget method in some detail).
>
> I didn't mean to start a conversation about core groups at all, and I hope
> this clarifies my earlier message.
>
> Sarah
>
> At 04:53 PM 9/18/98 +0100, you wrote:
> >Sarah,
> >Another comment. I've worked both sides of the fence on CSA's. I've managed
> >programs for nonprofit that had CSA's a a component, I've managed CSA's with a
> >core group, and for the past several years I have farmed my own land using a
> >share structure.  Of the three ways I like the last way the best. From my
> >personal experience, I have no use for a core group directed CSA. Maybe it was
> >a poor experience but I felt the core group exploited the farmer, the
> >landowner, the labor and didn't really have an understanding of what was
> >involved in growing vegetables. And this isn't just my opinion. I can name half
> >a dozen people who have been associated with core group directed CSA's (from
> >the farmers side) and it wasn't a very pleasant experience. Most CSA's, no
> >matter what the theory is, are not reciprocal arrangements.
> >
> >Sarah Milstein wrote:
> >
> >> >CSA is a reciprocal arrangement - yes, if its a good year shareholders
> >> >can make out like bandits.  You, on the other hand, knew upfront how
> >> >much money you were going to make and didn't have to worry about selling
> >> >whatever grew to a frequent fickle public.
> >>
> >> I agree with Debbie's point and would add that your share price should
> >> reflect what it costs you (including living-wage salaries) to grow and
> >> harvest the food your members receive.  One of the opportunities afforded by
> >> a CSA arrangement it doesn't pressure you to make the most money you can --
> >> or encourage consumers to get the best deal possible -- from your farm, but
> >> rather enables you to know that your costs are covered.
> >>
> >> Was your share price determined by creating an annual budget for the farm
> >> (with inputs, labor, capital expenses, etc.) and then dividing it by the
> >> number of shares you wanted sell (plus other income)?  If not, that might be
> >> a helpful way to think through what you need from the share price -- rather
> >> than wondering what the market will bear or whether your price is in line
> >> with other CSA growers.  CSA is not about cheap food, and in my experience,
> >> many, maybe most, consumers will respond positively to explanations about
> >> share increases if they understand how the money is being spent.
> >>
> >> Just Food, a New York non-profit organization, has a tip sheet on CSA
> >> budgeting that was written for core groups, but covers farm expenses and
> >> share pricing.  It can be requested from Just Food: 212/674.8124 x109, or by
> >> snail mail:  625 Broadway, Suite 9C, NY NY  10012.  Whether requesting the
> >> tip sheet via phone or mail, include your full contact information, with fax
> >> and email if applicable.
> >>
> >> Sarah Milstein
> >> Roxbury Farm Core Group/New York City
> >> (and late of Just Food)
> >
> >
> >
> >




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