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Re:a farmer driven CSA:




Dear CSA people, This is an interesting thread.  I bought yesterday and have
been reading today the book "Farms of Tomorrow Revisited"  I am enjoying
reading it (weather must be getting colder) although am finding it a bit
large in theory and small in practical advice for the new CSA.  One chapter
however stated some very good points some addressed in the last few
messages, on page 74 a paragraph reads "But CSA is not for everyone.  Its
not always fast, easy and efficient-the qualities most of us are accustomed
to through the modern market place.  CSA takes commitment.  Participation is
a huge thing to add to your personal or family life."  It goes on to list
other things that may be running through our customers minds ie:  money
upfront, too many veggies, too many weird veggies etc.  I feel confident
that we provided a quality product this year (I ate it, it was good!), and
if we loose any members it will be because of the above, its not a quick
fix.  But I have decided not to worry in fact maybe rejoice that those
members that stay on and future members are the ones that want to share in
the whole farm experience.  I have two members who are a joy to have come to
the farm, they so appreciate the quality of food even the quantity (forcing
them to cook) they are the people for whom we continue.  Also we'd like to
move into education, school kids etc. but that another topic.

My question to you is how many of you are farmer run CSAs.  How many own the
land you work?  I have only read 3 of the examples so far in the book all
were core group formed, the farmer hired.  They have with some major effort
survived for approx. 10 years.

I will answer, my husband and I own our farm (truthfully my father in law
owns it, but he is 100 percent behind any farming endeavor), we have a close
friend as our business partner (it all very loose we knew there would be no
"profits" for awhile).  We make all the decisions and do all the work.  But
we are small for now hope to grow (ah a pun) as we learn.  Our mission
statement at the moment is to find a farming formula that will save the farm
hopefully forever (we are looking into selling development rights) from
houses or other "ugly" buildings.  Good luck to you all, enjoy the winter
"vacation", Beth