The Value of Community Supported Agriculture

Community-Supported Agriculture is woven into the fabric of Vermont’s cultural identity, reflecting our deep-rooted values of supporting local agriculture and fostering a strong, interconnected community. More than just a means of obtaining fresh, organic products, CSAs represent a commitment to our farmers and a shared vision of a sustainable, localized food system. 

Although we appreciate the convenience of shopping at grocery stores for our produce, we love the benefits of CSAs. A CSA offers more than just nutritious food— it is an investment in your local food system and the people who cultivate it.

Most CSA signups are in the winter and spring, but there are some that may still have shares available. Research your town’s CSAs to see what’s still available, and prepare to sign up next spring! Follow your ideal CSA on social media or subscribe to their email newsletter to be the first to know when it’s time to sign up for the season. 

What is Community-Supported Agriculture?

When you sign up for a CSA, you buy shares of a farm’s harvest before the season starts. The upfront payments help farmers buy seeds and other materials to focus on growing high-quality products and avoid worrying about sales during the season. In turn, you receive a variety of in-season, fresh vegetables every week. Some CSAs also offer eggs, meats, fruits, and even flowers as a part of your bundle. 

The Benefits of Community-Supported Agriculture

On the fence about joining a CSA? Here are some of the biggest benefits: 

Access to Fresh, Nutritious, Diverse Farm Products

With a CSA, you don’t have to worry about choosing vegetables at the grocery store, avoiding excessive plastic packaging and picked-over produce. CSA products are coming right from your local farm, so you know items are high-quality and fresh. CSAs often use organic and sustainable farming practices, reducing the environmental impact of food production and distribution. 

Support Local Farmers

In Vermont, we love to shop local, and that includes our produce! Farmers are a huge part of what makes Vermont unique, and CSAs allow us to support them on a new level. This is a great way to get involved in your community while contributing to the local economy and helping maintain a strong, sustainable local food system. 

Build Connections with the Land

When you shop locally, you know where the food you’re eating comes from. Ask questions about growing and harvesting practices, enjoying produce when it’s in season, and the best ways to prepare food items. 

Introduction to a New Variety of Foods

When you get your produce from a CSA, you’ll likely see vegetables you’ve never tried before. Seize the opportunity to experiment with new foods and try exciting recipes. Who knows— you might just discover your new favorite vegetable! 

CSAs provide you with foods that are in season. Eating seasonal food will help you reduce your carbon footprint because it requires less transportation and encourages sustainable farming practices. Plus, seasonal produce is tastier and more nutritious. 

Considerations for the CSA Experience

Every farm is different, so your experience will vary from farm to farm. Depending on the size of the farm, you may get a different variety of products per week. Here are some considerations to take into account when you’re signing up for a CSA:

Share Size and Cost

How many people are in your household, and how much produce would they eat during the week? Typically, you can choose a small, medium, or large share. The time of the season, your diet, your household size, and your budget all play a role in the ratio of produce to people. During the peak season, a small share is typically ideal for a household size of two or three people. However, if your household members are vegetarian, vegan, or primarily consume vegetables, you might want to choose a larger share size. 

Share costs usually range from $100 to $800, depending on the size of the farm, the amount of product you’re getting, and the farm's product offerings. 

Share Products

Some CSAs exclusively offer veggies, whereas others offer eggs, milk, fruit, herbs, and even handmade items like bread as a part of your share. Browse CSAs in your area to find the one that makes the most sense for your household size and diet. Consider what you typically buy at the grocery store, and what items you would like to replace with the CSA. 

Delivery vs. Pickup

A CSA may offer delivery and pickup options. At some CSAs, you can even pick-your-own produce for some items, like tomatoes, strawberries, fresh herbs, flowers, and more. If you can’t make it out to pick up your items from a CSA every week, consider the ones that have delivery options.

Where Do I Find the Right CSA for My Household?

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA) has great resources to find farms and producers close to your home. The organization created an interactive directory to locate a variety of CSA options nearby. 

The Intervale Community Farm was named the best CSA by the Seven Daysies in 2023, serving more than 600 member households per year. If you’re looking for a CSA in the Burlington and Chittenden County area, this might be the one for you. The Intervale Community Farm also offers fresh herbs, eggs, bread, and goat cheese from other farm partners, along with fresh produce, herbs, and cut-your-own flowers. 

Community-Supported Agriculture is a fantastic way to connect with your local food systems and farmers. Although it requires a bit of advanced planning and financial commitment upfront, a CSA share provides a bountiful supply of nutritious vegetables, fruits, and other products each week during the growing season. This summer, prioritize nutritious eating and locally sourced items by joining a CSA. 

Want to learn more about life in Vermont? Get in contact with one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents today.