What is a CSA?
CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture" and represents a relationship between the people who grow food and the people who eat food. In its most basic form, members of a CSA purchase a "share" of their farm at the beginning of the season. This initial investment comes at a time when the farmer's need for capital (seeds, compost, fencing, etc) is at its highest.
In exchange for their investment, members receive a share of the produce grown by the farm throughout the growing season. In most cases, this looks like a weekly box of fruits and veggies (and sometimes eggs, meat, milk, etc). Members become more connected to the seasonality of their food, and get to try some new fruits and vegetables along the way. They also share in the risks and rewards of the growing season (a hot and dry year like 2016 saw bumper crops of tomatoes and peppers, but not as many potatoes).
Most importantly, CSAs give people an avenue to connect with and support the values they believe in: whether it's a vibrant local economy, specific growing practices, or, of course, healthy delicious food. This is the way the farm becomes a living organism, more dynamic through everyone's involvement.
What can i expect in my share?
The contents of your share will vary with the seasonality of the produce. We try to include at least 6-8 different items in your share each week. Veggie Lovers Shares will receive slightly larger amounts of their produce - and a bit more diversity - while Beginner's Shares will receive plenty of food for a smaller household.
Your weekly box will typically include:
bunched greens (kale, chard, rapini, etc)
alliums (onions and/or garlic)
roots (radishes, carrots, beets, etc)
“fruits” of some kind (sugar snap peas, tomatoes, zucchini, etc)
fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, dill, thyme, etc)
with additions like salad greens, strawberries, melons, and potatoes filling out the share as they become seasonally available.
Early in the season, you can expect to see lots of Spring greens, strawberries (!), and salad fixins. Come mid-late June, the first of the sugar snap peas and zucchinis should start arriving. Summer brings the heat-loving tomatoes, peppers, and green beans. And with Fall, the carrots, beets, potatoes, and Winter squashes grace us with their starchy goodness.
Click here to see a complete list of the fruits and vegetables NOKA grows.
NOKA CSA members also receive a weekly newsletter, free U-pick opportunities at the farm, and access to food preservation workshops. Last, but not least, in exchange for their investment in the farm, CSA members receive their produce at a 5-10% discount off of the farmers’ market value - AND get first dibs on hot-ticket items like melons and strawberries.
When & Where do i pick up my share?
what does a pick-up day look like?
WHAT DO I DO IF I'M RUNNING LATE OR MISS A PICK-UP?
how can i pay for my share?
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT THE FARM?
The first CSA distribution typically occurs in the first week of June. We will contact everyone by phone or e-mail as the day gets closer. When registering for the CSA, you will have options for pick-up time/location.
On-Farm Pick-Up: Wednesday (1 - 7)
Dexter Farmers Market: Saturday (8 - 1)
On-Farm pick-up will be set up for you to easily gather your produce. Our chalkboard will have a list of everything available in your share. Some of your fruits and veggies will be pre-packed in your personal bin; you’ll also be able to select from some bulk or individualized items (heirloom tomatoes, melons, flower bouquets, etc). We will also have a surplus area with extras from market or other members that you are welcome to take. Finally, we'll let you know about our U-Pick opportunities throughout the season; feel free to take some time and pick strawberries, tomatoes, sunflowers, etc.
It’s a good idea to bring containers - bags or boxes - to pick up your produce.
Also, bring some extra time! We're happy to have you picnic, take a walk through the woods, play some games, and just hang out here.
If you choose delivery, your share will be brought to the Saturday Dexter Farmer's Market. You can swing by our market stall and pick it up any time between 8am and 1pm. Bring a bag or box to collect your produce, or we can package it up for you.
If you know that you will be out of town during your pick-up, please let us know the week prior. You'll have a couple of options. You can either: 1) switch your pick-up day or 2) coordinate with a friend or family member to pick up your share while you're gone. If something unexpected comes up, please call us and we will hold your share until the following evening.
There are sign-up and payment options of all kinds - from snail mail to Paypal. We recognize that a CSA share is a big commitment, and want to offer convenient and approachable payment options. We do ask for a $200 reservation fee, to be paid upfront with your registration, with the remaining balance paid by July 1st, 2022. Your share cost can be paid in installments or one lump sum, whichever works best for you.
Feel free to contact Noelle
by phone: (865) 712.0274
or e-mail: nokahomestead@gmail.com
Phone is the most reliable way; I check my e-mail every couple of days.