Find a CSA
How to Choose a CSA Farm
The Kansas City metro is fortunate to have a growing number of CSA farms supporting its community. Given the many choices, however, it can be dizzying to try and choose the one that’s right for you. All of the KCCSAC’s member farms follow the basic CSA model, grow a wide variety of crops (or provide a variety of meats), and produce these items without the use of synthetic pesticides or herbicides. Beyond that, they are all unique. When considering which CSA to join, the below points may help you narrow down your choices to your best fit.
LOCATION: The KCCSAC’s member farms are located within a 100-mile radius of the meeting of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. (See the maps and farm list for specific locations.) Consider how often you want to be involved in on-farm activities and how far you would be willing to drive. Remember that some farms have activities that take place in Kansas City and some of the longest drives are the prettiest.
SIZE: Some CSA farms have small operations offering fewer than 10 shares while others are large and offer over 100. Within these size categories there are those farms which grow exclusively for their CSA members and other farms that do CSA along with selling at farmers markets, stores, etc.
PRICE OF SHARE: It is very difficult and not recommended to choose a CSA based solely on share price. Comparing each farm’s price is not easy considering they have different season lengths, crops, sizes of shares, etc. We hope that CSA members will consider all the beneficial aspects of a CSA experience, such as community and education, and not view it solely as an arrangement based upon a set amount of produce for a certain price.
LENGTH OF SEASON/NUMBER OF DISTRIBUTIONS: Although the main distribution season here in Kansas City runs from mid-May through mid-to-late October, the length of the season and number of deliveries varies among the KCCSAC’s member farms. Those with longer seasons utilize season extending devices such as hoophouses and also focus in the later months on storage crops such as root vegetables. Additionally, the meat CSA’s are year-round.
DISTRIBUTION SITE: All of the KCCSAC’s member farms have 1 – 4 distribution sites around Kansas City metro, depending on the needs of their CSA members. Distribution sites can be at members’ homes, easily-accessible parking lots, friendly businesses, etc. All farmers also offer on-farm distributions, and sometimes home delivery can be arranged (there may be a fuel surcharge for this service). Consider which farms deliver near your home, school, work, etc., and how important that is to your weekly routine.
DELIVERY DAY: The days and times that farms make their deliveries varies. Some CSA members prefer receiving their shares at the end of the week or the weekend so they can shop at the farmers market for any additional produce they want. Others prefer deliveries early in the week so as not to have weekend obligations.
TYPES OF PRODUCE AND OTHER ITEMS: All of the CSA farms offer a wide variety of seasonal produce. Some, however, have specialty items, which are included in the share or can be purchased at additional cost. These include flowers, honey, meat, fruit, and eggs. Additionally, some farms have various arrangements for receiving larger quantities of produce — especially good for those who enjoy preserving.
PRODUCTION PRACTICES: All the KCCSAC member farms are committed to sustainable growing practices, which exclude the use of synthetic pesticides. Some farms are certified organic, some use organic practices and are certifiable but have for various reasons chosen to not register with the Organic Certifying Agency, and some use biodynamic practices in addition to organic practices. There is also a great deal of variety in how mechanized each farm is.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT: All of the KCCSAC’s member farms encourage some kind of involvement from their members. Most farms organize one or more farm events each season and some farms encourage their members to “drop in.” The farms put different amounts of emphasis on volunteer workdays, community/celebration events, educational opportunities, involvement with planning and administration, and other projects.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNICATION WITH FARMERS: One of the basic ideas of CSA is to connect eaters with the sources of their food. Some farms offer a variety of ways to keep in touch with the farmers through on-farm activities, newsletter articles, farmers staffing the distribution sites, etc.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION: Most of the KCCSAC’s member farms offer some opportunities for education. These may range from farm tours, canning workshops, herbal workshops, educational pieces in newsletters, children’s workshops, and education through work opportunities.
SPECIAL EMPHASIS OF THE FARM: Each farm has its own unique characteristics and emphasis.