CSA FAQ

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WHAT IS A CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture – a model practiced by thousands of farms and communities around the world, and for many, especially small, diverse farm systems, it forms a critical economic relationship (here’s a link to one short history of CSA).

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CSA members (including Market Share members) invest in a “share” of the farm early in the season. This allows the farmer to make needed investments in seeds, soil amendments, and labor when funds are tightest. In return, members receive a regular share of the harvest through the growing season. Together, the farmer and the CSA members acknowledge the risks of depending on nature to feed us – sometimes there are crop shortages due to extreme weather or pests – but we can guarantee there will be enough to nourish and sustain us all. 

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Clearly, the relationship is more than just an economic exchange, or even the opportunity to receive food at its peak nutrition and flavor. Many members value the connection they develop with the land that sustains them and the people that make it possible. In a fast-paced, get-anything-anytime culture, many people also appreciate how it changes the way that they relate to cooking, often developing more confidence and flexibility. 

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As your farmers, we love the direct connection to the communities we feed, and we’re there for you if you don’t know what something is or need inspiration or information. And we frequently learn from and are inspired by you, too. 

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OK, SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CSA AND MARKET SHARES?

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As a CSA member, you receive your "share" of veggies every week through the growing season (this year from June 5th - Oct 30th: 22 weeks in total). As a Market Share member you prepay, but do not receive a fixed amount of produce or farm products each week. You come to shop when you choose and have your total deducted from your prepaid credit. Depending on your lifestyle, some people need the extra flexibility of the Market Share.

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HOW DOES IT WORK?

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We send you weekly emails at least 24 hours before Wednesday pickup times, letting CSA members know what is in their boxes and Market Share members what they can expect at the stand. In CSA Shares, we try to provide a good basis for 2-3 people for the week, about $25 worth of vegetables, usually 5-8 components, often including fresh culinary herbs. If that feels like too much, members have split shares with friends or family.

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This year we hope to set up a farmstand at the Olde Moon Farm site on Wednesdays.  CSA Members bring their own bags or boxes and load up the components of their shares. Market Share members come and select what they want and are helped by a farm crew member or help themselves through the honor system. Other Olde Moon or locally-made products will often be available for purchase.

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Market Share Members can also find us and use their credit at the Silverton Farmers Market. We do not plan to be present at every market but will give you notice either way in our weekly email. 

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We make deliveries to G-Love New American Kitchen and The Minnow on an almost weekly basis. For an additional delivery fee, we may be able to accommodate CSA members in the Portland area. Contact us to see if it's feasible! 

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ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? 

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We would love to hear them! Email us at oldemoonfarm@gmail.com or fill out the web form below.