CSA Starts Here is an educational video series for aspiring and beginning CSA farmers from the CSA Innovation Network. These twelve free videos will help you evaluate whether or not CSA farming is a suitable model for you while also explaining the skills you need to nurture to be successful at CSA farming.
The videos can be watched in order as one comprehensive training or viewed individually as needed. We recommend you watch the series one topic at a time and reflect on each using the attached workbook. These videos are available to everyone, at no charge. Individuals can view the videos online after completing the short online evaluation form associated with each title.
Each video includes:
- A question that explores a specific facet of CSA
- An introduction that explains why that question is meaningful
- Our own unique experiences within CSA and how we have mastered or struggled overtime
- Tips, tricks, hacks and stories from other experienced CSA farmers
- Prompts for self-evaluation that ask you to dig deep and consider your own unique skill set, passions, and desires
12-Part Video Series
Each video is about 10-15 minutes long.
- Should I Start A CSA Farm? An introduction to our education video series
- Are You Passionate About the CSA Model and Movement?
- Gaining Production Skills
- Creating a CSA Crop Plan
- CSA is All About the Details
- Building a Financially Strong CSA Business
- Marketing the CSA Farm
- Establishing & Managing Customer Expectations
- Prioritizing Customer Service
- Learning to Make Sacrifices
- Managing Stress on the CSA Farm
- So... Should You Start a CSA Farm? Making the most of this educational video series
About the Creators
Five North Central region CSA farmers developed this film series: Lauren Rudersdorf of Raleigh’s Hillside Farm, Kat Becker of Cattail Organics, Bethanee Wright of Winterfell Acres, Kelly Lagman of One Seed Farm, and Jonnah Perkins of Vermont Valley Community Farm.
Want more information? See the related SARE grant:
- Should I Start a CSA Farm?: An Educational Video Series for Current & Aspiring CSA Farmers (FNC19-1190)
This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.