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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models

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  • From: "Beth Spaugh" <lists AT rhomestead.com>
  • To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models
  • Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 18:01:06 -0400

We did what you describe - you can take 2 things from this table, etc last year.  It seemed to confuse members.  This year we changed to a "point" system. It strays far from the original CSA concept, and maybe has dangers of becoming like "buying", but the members love it.  Each full share gets 10 "points" per week. I put stuff out with a sign that says what a point is (1 bunch, 1 quart, 1 bowl salad mix, 15 stems chard) etc, and either "no limit' or "Limit __ whatever".  The limit is the number of points they can use on that item.
 
The downside for me is that they are not consistent in what they want.  Some members really like that the CSA forces them to try new things, and if they are "spending" their points, they may not do that.  Also, if they miss a week, or don't want to use all their points one week they are asking to add them onto later weeks.
 
I have been thinking about, and like Andy's hybrid system, which would allow me to concentrate on one odd-ball produce (kohlrabi, fennel, even cabbage) that not many folks would take, and say, unless you are allergic to it, take it as one point. I don't know if I would go so far as to pre-box it though. 
 
The biggest time saver I think is having folks come to pick their share up, and having them "box" their share.  Most bring reusable bags.  I made bags from old tee-shirts for those who forget.
 
Best wishes for your transition.  I am looking at what makes the most profitable sense for us next year too.  The downside to CSA is the need to grow such variety. But my farmers markets have been much less stressful since I started taking fewer things. I plan to really concentrate on my easy to harvest/pack/transport things for farmers market next year.
 
Beth Spaugh
Rehoboth Homestead, Peru, NY
Farm Fresh Food Club CSA - http://rhomestead.com 
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Garden fresh vegetables, organically grown, and pastured chicken, duck, and geese
 
"How we eat determines, to a considerable extent, how the world is used." - Wendell Berry
 
"Without power over our food, any notion of democracy is empty." - Frances Moore Lappe
 


From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of John Ferree
Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 7:01 AM
To: Market Farming
Subject: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models

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
Danville, IN
317.509.7828



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