What is a CSA?

Community-Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is an arrangement that provides a direct connection between consumers and a local farmer. Participating supporters contribute to the farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing in advance a share of the season's harvest. By making this commitment ahead of time, CSA shareholders join the farmer in assuming the costs, risks and rewards of growing that season's crops. Shareholders help pay for seeds, supplies, labor, water, equipment maintenance, and other costs. In return, the farm provides a weekly box of fresh, nutritious vegetables throughout the harvest season.

The Green Earth Institute CSA

We lease 49 acres of farm land at the McDonald Farm, owned by The Conservation Foundation, on the south side of Naperville. We grow 40 different vegetable and herb crops, selling the produce through our CSA. Our produce is USDA certified organic. The 2010 season will be the eighth year of this very popular program.

Planting starts in mid-February and continues until late September. For our Main Season CSA Shares, vegetable harvests will run for 20 weeks, from June 15 to October 29. We also offer a limited number of Spring Shares for four weeks, May 18 to June 8, and Late Fall Shares, for four weeks, November 2 to November 23.

Details and a signup form are in a PDF file you may view, download, and print. To register, mail the completed signup form with your payment to:

Green Earth Institute
10S404 Knoch Knolls Road
Naperville IL 60565-5447

2010 CSA Brochure

More about the Green Earth Farm

"Fresh Off the Farm" was a colorful description of the growing community-supported agriculture movement in the U.S. in the November 3, 2003 issue of TIME Magazine. Click here for some quotes.

Volunteers are invited to help with farm work such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. Contact us to let us know your availability and/or you can sign up to be notified by email when there are volunteer opportunities scheduled.