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At last count, 15 farms offer a CSA subscription in Alberta. This is a 500 per cent increase from
three CSAs in 2008. Thus, most of the CSAs now in existence in Alberta have existed for fewer
than three years.
It is important to remember that actual CSA numbers are in all likelihood higher than cited; as
noted elsewhere in this report, CSAs tend to exist below-radar.
Best Practises & Quality
As a result of its geographic origins in Germany and Switzerland, many CSAs are farmed
according to Steiner’s biodynamic principles (see Appendix C details on Biodynamics). The
majority of CSAs honour their origins and practice organic (certified or not) or holistic,
ecologically-aware tillage and humane animal-tending methods. Two Albertan CSAs use animals
– draft horse or oxen – to provide power instead of tractors. In most cases, animals are free-range
or pastured.
Membership Rates & Variants
Farmers following CSA practices sell annual subscriptions to a set number of clients before the
onset of spring. In nearly all cases, the previous year’s clients are offered first refusal before new
clients are solicited.
Share prices are consistent across the province. Full shares are suitable for a family of four and
cost $500 to $600. Some farms offer half shares, suitable for two to three people, for slightly more
money than half the cost of a full share ($300 to $350).
The number of subscriptions each farm offers varies widely. Some farms support as few as four
families, while others support as many as 200. The provincial average is 40 to 50 families.
Some CSAs offer protein options, such as eggs or meat, which are available for an additional
charge at time of enlistment.
Some CSA farms offer a reduced-rate membership for those who wish to regularly work on the
farm – seeding, weeding, hoeing, watering, harvesting, fencing, building, and maintaining
structures like greenhouses and packing sheds. Familiarizing subscribers to the farm is an
underlying theme, but it takes a lot of planning and energy to organize and educate urban helpers.
Payment Options
Most CSAs require payment in full in March or earlier, to cover costs and provide farmers with
income in the off-season. Some CSAs allow subscribers to divide their fee into several payments
over the course of the year or season, as is mutually agreed. Very few CSAs take payment on a
monthly basis. Cash and cheques are the most common methods of payment, a few use PayPal.