‘Tis the Season…to Sign Up for CSAs!
A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is one in which an individual pays a farm for a membership that entitles them to a “share” of the farm’s harvest —commonly a set quantity of fresh foods made available to the member on a weekly basis. This is a popular way to support local producers and access tasty, seasonal fruit and vegetables. The farmer benefits from a predictable source of income. By joining a CSA, you directly support a local farm and invest in their long term prosperity and sustainability. CSA members often gain a greater sense of connection to our local producers, landscape, and seasons. Central Oregon’s CSAs fill up fast, so we encourage you to look into your options as soon as possible!
Fun fact: the concept of CSAs appears to have originated in 1970s Japan!
While the morning frost may keep thoughts of summer bounty at bay, it’s never too early to start planning for your seasonal produce CSAs for 2024 (Community Supported Agriculture). Here’s where to check as we hear more announcements from our local farms:
- Fibonacci Farm – sign-ups open now!
- Boundless Farmstead – opens January 15th (spots fill quickly!)
- Sungrounded Farm – details coming in February
Other farms will be announcing their CSA membership options over the coming months, including these HDFFA Partners:
- Cultivate Farms, delivery available in Bend
- Mahonia Gardens, via The Stand in Sisters
- Paradise Produce, in Madras
- Rainshadow Organics, in Sisters and Bend
- Seed to Table, in Sisters
- Zajac Farms, just north of Bend
Many of these farms are able to accept SNAP/EBT as a form of payment for their produce CSAs, and some offer sliding scale or other flexible payment options.
In addition to vegetable and produce CSAs here in Central Oregon, there are quite a few options for meat CSAs, and even flower and hay CSAs! Meat CSAs range in availability and pickup/delivery schedule, and some are accessible year-round. Current HDFFA partners with offerings to explore include:
- Roots Wild Floral (2024 florals CSA open now!)
- SunLife Farm and Ranch (hay CSA)
- DD Ranch (beef, lamb, pork)
- Double F Ranch (beef, pork, chicken)
- Larkin Valley Ranch (beef, lamb)
- North 44 Farm (beef, lamb)
- Pole Creek Ranch (beef)
- Rainshadow Organics (full diet CSA includes beef, pork, chicken; annual, opens in July)
- Splitting Aces Livestock (beef)
- Well Rooted Farms (beef, pork, lamb)
- Wild Grown Farm (Chicken)
- Windy Acres Dairy Farm (dairy herdshare)
- Wine Down Ranch (beef)
Cover photo credit Amanda Long, Amanda Photographic
