CSAs help form a direct relationship between farmers and customers
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) has become a mainstay of New Jersey’s local food movement over the past few decades.
The term refers to farm-based harvest subscription programs whereby customers pay farmers for a season’s worth of produce, meat, eggs, or other specialty products in advance with a one-time upfront membership fee or weekly/bimonthly payments. This advance funding provides farmers with working capital to prepare for the growing season, and the CSA members receive the locally produced goods throughout the harvest season.
“CSAs are an important part of our local food system,” noted New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn during a recent visit to Chickadee Creek Farm, a USDA Certified Organic farm situated on 80 acres of permanently preserved farmland in Hopewell Township. “It is this true partnership between the farmer and the consumer that permits the farmer to plan planting and harvest cycles knowing there are consumers that have invested in the farm and who will benefit from the harvest.”
Jess Niederer of Chickadee Creek, who operates an annual CSA in addition to selling at farmers’ markets, agrees. “The CSA is an important aspect of what we do here on our farm. More and more people want to know where their food comes from and care that it is safe and clean…. Our farm memberships provide an opportunity for people to deepen their relationship with our farm and see the care that is taken in growing our organic produce.”
Farms across New Jersey offer CSA programs with many options customized to best meet customers’ needs. Membership often also includes invitations to on-farm events and pick-your-own days to further develop the farmer-eater connection.
CSAs are currently accepting membership for the 2025 season. We are proud to showcase a few of our CSA partners on these pages, along with a couple of the farmers’ favorite recipes (see page 72). Learn more by visiting their websites and commit to a CSA program this year. You’ll enjoy access to the best of Jersey Fresh food while also supporting the financial viability of NJ farms and your own family’s good health.
