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  • From: Andy Fellenz <fellenz AT fltg.net>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models
  • Date: Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:17:13 -0400

I offer a hybrid approach. 2/3 of the share is pre-packed and my members make additional selections from a market table. Each member gets a certain number of choices based on their share size, generally at least three choices, they can choose whatever they want from the choice table, unless an item is in short supply and I ask them to limit themselves to a maximum of one of the short supply item. Most of the season I'll have about twenty different items on the choice table. As an example, this afternoon my members will be able to choose from raspberries, blackberries, peaches, 2 varieties of lettuce, 2 varieties of chard, 2 varieties of beets, scallions, spinach, turnips, okra, about a half dozen varieties of tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, two varieties of eggplant, about a half dozen varieties of peppers, 4 varieties of cukes, 4 varieties of summer squash, onions, watermelon, cantaloupe and sun jewel melons.
I do three distributions a week which range from 52 to 74 shares each day. Many of the choice table items will keep several days, so if they aren't chosen today they will either go on the farmstand or be offered as choices on Friday.
Andy


John Ferree wrote:
I'm looking to replace myself as farm manager for the 2011 season. . . and while that will be a challenge by its self, I would like to change up the CSA to add a bit more flexibility to the system.
Our current system is box-subscription. While this system works, most of the disadvantages are on the customer side. No choice, little input as to the box contents.

I have heard of other CSA's that have switched to a market style pickup. Table 1 has 3 things - take 2 units, Table 2 has 4 things - take three, etc I see a number of advantages with this. Decreased packing costs. . . introduction of member choice. . . more face time with members (currently near 0 face time/week). . . streamlining field -> cooler processing. . . increased flexibility in quantities for the new manager who still has a fair bit to learn. Downside - probably need to get 50+ members per pickup, or shorten pickup duration.
I heard a former employee from Angelic Organics started on their own with a system like this. . . but I need to talk to someone who's doing it. Know anyone?

Thanks,
John

--
Seldom Seen Farm <http://www.seldomseenfarm.com/>
Danville, IN
317.509.7828
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