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COVID-19 UPDATE:

COVID-19 is rapidly evolving so CAFF and the CSA Innovation Network are doing our best to try to compile CSA related information, and are crowdsourcing for a cumulative result. Please add resources and information, and share with your network(s).

photo: Eva Deitch for the Hudson Valley CSA Coalition

The CSA Innovation Network is committed to gathering resources that will support CSA farmers and Technical Assistance (TA) providers. From implementing a financial assistance program, to developing best marketing practices, this library compiles case studies, toolkits, videos, and more. Materials are organized by the following categories:

Economic Access: financial assistance programs, food justice, the value of CSA

CSA Innovation: customization, marketing, CSA models  

CSA In The Workplace: health and wellness, incentive programs, research

The Resource Library is currently in development. The CSA-IN has selected the resources below as a sample of what to expect from each category.

RESOURCE LIBRARY

ECONOMIC

ACCESS

CSA

INNOVATION

CSA IN THE

WORKPLACE

MARKETING

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Economic Access: financial assistance, food justice, the value of CSA

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ECONOMIC ACCESS

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FOOD ACCESS TOOLKIT

fairshare csa coaltion

Through a combination of case studies, this toolkit will help you build a food access program which meets the needs of your local community as well as farmers. 

PDF
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FARM SHARE PROGRAM: 4 Year Report

vines binghamton

Vines Binghamton Farm Share 4-Year Report. Each season since its inception in 2013 half of the share members have fallen within very low to moderate income ranges. This explores the nuts and bolts of the program.

PDF
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SOWING THE SEEDS OF FOOD JUSTICE

soul fire farm

This manual offers strategies and insights to help farmers run a small farm business that supports the needs of low-income communities while maintaining financial stability.

PDF
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CSA MARKET RESEACH

hudson valley csa coalition

Glynwood's CSA Market Research is a great analysis of the current CSA member base in the Hudson Valley; the demographics of potential CSA members; and the aspects of CSA that current and future members value most.

PDF
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HOW TO GROW YOUR CSA INCENTIVE PROGRAM

wholesome wave

This toolkit is designed for CSA administrators who are just starting to implement their nutrition incentive programs, or are interested in bringing such a program to their CSA.

PDF
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COST-OFFSET CONTINUATION PLANNING FOR FARMERS

marilyn sitaker and collaborators

A workbook on cost-offset CSA with information, instructions, and additional resources on how farmers can develop their continuation plans. This guide contains tools to help farmers identify funding sources, implement flexible payment plans, and employ effective outreach strategies.

PDF
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VOUCHER PROGRAM

kentucky farm share

Voucher system funded by corporations to encourage their employees to purchase CSA shares.

Link
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"WHAT IS SLIDING SCALE, YOU ASK?"

underground alchemy

A document that helps people determine where they fall on the "sliding scale" and what they should fairly pay. If CSA farms are considering using a sliding scale payment system for their shares, this is a great tool for learning how to effectively communicate sliding scale economics to their customers.

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CSA INNOVATION

 

CSA Innovation: customization, marketing, CSA models  

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FARMER to FARMER ECOMMERCE PLATFORMS REPORT

csa innovation network

This report details farmer ratings for the five most popular of those farm-specific sales platforms plus four additional platforms that are not farm-specific and are used by many farmers.

Link
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SELLING ONLINE & CSA DIRECT MARKETING

Community Alliance with Family Farmers

A collection of resources covering everything from online farmers markets, selling and shipping meat, Facebook ordering, and a variety of direct sale software options.

Link
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KNOWING YOUR AUDIENCE: the ideal CSA customer

my digital farmer

CSA is not ideal for everyone. You have to know the "kind" of person who would be a good fit. And then market to THEM -- not everyone! podcast episode -- another fundamental of marketing. See http://mydigitalfarmer.com/podcast/ for other CSA-specific podcast episodes.

Link
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FARMER-to-FARMER PODCAST

with chris blanchard

The Farmer-to-Farmer podcast provides interviews with practicing farmers. Topics covered extend beyond CSA, but many of the farms included have CSA programs or have had CSA programs at one time. Invaluable peer-to-peer learning opportunity.

Link
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CSA MODELS:

choosing the right distribution method for your members

csa solutions hub

This guide provides a comprehensive list of the different types of CSA programs. Both informative for farmers and for consumers.

Link
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FACEBOOK CSA DISCUSSION GORUP: Marketing Focused

Great, interactive page for rich CSA marketing focused peer learning and weekly video training posts by Corinna Bench, host of My Digital Farmer and Co-owner of Legacy Farms

Link
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MY DIGITAL FARMER

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A collection of videos providing marketing tips and how-to's on a wide range of topics, including those specifically relevant to farms looking to improve the acquisition and retention rates of their CSA programs.

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Link
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RURAL GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE

university of wisconsin extension

135 page, extensive guide, created by University of Wyoming Extension, on starting a CSA from inception to implementation and growth.

PDF
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FACEBOOK CSA DISCUSSION GORUP: General Discussion

small farm central

Interactive Facebook page hosted by Small Farm Central that facilitates peer learniing on CSA-related topics from crop production to marketing to discussions of the CSA model itself.

Link
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This resource is a guide to help individuals start a CSA at their workplace. It emphasizes economy, access to produce, health, and employee interaction. The toolkit is broken up into phases, with specific date ranges and involves assessment of employee interest while at the same time education of employees. Resources are included as an appendix for surveys, agreements, and promo material.

WORKPLACE CSA TOOLKIT

lawrence douglas county health dept.

PDF
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This toolkit includes the first steps in deciding and implementing a CSA workplace program. It is also a good overview of issues an advocate would need to consider when developing a program.

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FARM FRESH WORKPLACES

eat local first

Link
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Comprehensive guide on integrating CSA in workplace programs.

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CSA INCENTIVES TOOLKIT

fairshare csa coalition

PDF

CSA IN THE WORKPLACE

 

CSA In The Workplace: health and wellness, incentive programs, research

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Fellow CSA farmer turned marketing expert Corinna Bench teaches an online marketing framework  and strategies to help you convert more leads, increase sales, and build a strong brand for your farm.

MY DIGITAL FARMER PODCAST

with corinna bench

Link
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Learn how to create beautiful marketing assets such as social media graphics, e-books, fliers, brochures, and more in this free graphic design editor.

HOW TO BUILD GRAPHIC DESIGNS USING CANVA.COM

Video
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This private Facebook group is for CSA farmers and market gardeners looking for ideas on how to market their products and increase their retention and sales.

CSA MARKETING DISCUSSION GROUP

Link
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Use this zip file of resources including email templates, social media ideas, and press release examples to help you plan a successful CSA Day sales push.

2020 CSA DAY PROMO KIT

csa innovation network/harvie

Link
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Learn how to frame a clear and compelling brand message using the Storybrand framework. Author Donald Miller uses screenwriting and storytelling formulas to help you connect with your customer and position your brand as the solution.

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BUILDING A STORYBRAND 

by donald miller

Link

MARKETING

 

CSA In The Workplace: health and wellness, incentive programs, research

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