So You Want to Be A CSA?

The So you want to be a CSA? Essential Information for the Beginning CSA or Market Farmer weekly series will include essential information about where to start, goal setting, creating a business plan, financial management, and legal stuff. From there we will look at CSA types, soil basics and veggie and fruit production. We will also discuss local foods, farm to institution requirements and food hubs. Cost: $150/per person includes all class materials, binder, and a light snack each week or $250/per couple (includes one binder). Participants should finish this series with a framework for a business plan. All Classes will be held at the MSU Extension office in Kalamazoo County, 3299 Gull, Road Room A, Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Curriculum

Feb 26 Resource identification, goal setting, elements of a business plan, & is CSA farming right for you. Plus introduction to marketing and business plan development; CSA types of shares, members, & communication.

March 5                      Farming and the law including risk management, labor laws, & Ag employer checklist. Plus vegetables, fruit & the cost of production, planting & how much to plant.

March 12        Introduction to farm financial management, record keeping, & tax reporting.

March 19        Introduction to soil fertility & and overview of organic certification.

Online registration for So You Want To Be A CSA? is open.
The last day to register online for this event is February 22, 2013.

Contact Information

MSU Extension
Attn: Beth Clawson, Extension Educator
219 Paw Paw Street, Suite 201
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-8213
clawsonb@anr.msu.edu