How does CSA work day-to-day?
Each CSA farm has its own particular version of the CSA approach, but the basics are always pretty much the same. As a subscriber, you buy a share of the farm’s annual production, paying in advance. The farmer applies that early revenue to purchasing seed and other supplies needed at the start of the growing season. As the season gets underway, you receive farming progress reports, usually by printed or email newsletter: weather conditions, how particular crops are doing, and other farm news. When harvesting begins, each week your farmer totals everything up and divides it into equal portions, ready for pick-up. Pick-ups are usually available for several hours on a fixed day each week, either at the farm, or at a drop-off location near you. Shares may be individually pre-packed, or you may have to pick the items from bins, following a sign that tells you how much of each to take that week. Drop-off sites are often hosted by a volunteer CSA member. At the end of the season, many CSAs ha
