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• Consider co-operation.
Consider buying from or exchanging goods/services with other farmers to supplement losses. Or
share your membership base with several farms to form a collaborative CSA to reduce the risk
of crop failure and lower the stress of growing many crops.
• Over-deliver.
Be generous. Limit customer numbers until you know you can meet customers’ needs and
more. A waiting list of interested buyers is preferable to even one dis-satisfied client.
• Adjust to circumstances.
There are always fluctuations in growing. Try to foresee where and what challenges might arise
and plan a response in advance. Remember to seed rapid-growth, short-season crops at
successive intervals to ensure a longer season. Be prepared to teach your subscribers and
remember that teaching is slower than doing.
• Keep learning.
Attend field days, conferences, and workshops and learn from others in the industry.
• Share what you know.
Mentor another grower. Educate your subscribers. Keep them apprised of weather, yield, ups
and downs, and changes in delivery schedules. Give them tips on storage. Find good recipes for
your produce and share them.
Appendix B
Best Practices for CSA Subscribers
• Do not quibble about or attempt to negotiate a CSA farmer’s rate.
• Pay promptly when your contract stipulates.
• Sign up for work days and show up when you say you will.
• Collect each week’s produce promptly. Arrange for a friend to collect if you are unable to.
• Express interest. Offer thoughtful and respectful feedback on quality and quantity of goods.
• Adjust to circumstances. Accept that farming and gardening have no sure outcomes.
• Share what you know. Offer favourite and tested recipes to subscribers and farmer.
• Consider co-operation. Organize ride shares and car pools to collect the week’s share.
• Educate yourself about farming practises. Read your farmer’s blog, website, email or flyer.
Respond.
• Express your appreciation for your farmer’s hard work and results.
• Visit the farm beyond scheduled work days. Be sure to call and ask for permission, farms are
busy places. Offer help. Take along a gift of food (made from the farm’s produce) to show your
gratitude.
• Recycle CSA boxes or return them promptly.
• Do not waste food. If your share is too generous or you have to leave town, share.