Midwest CSA Conference: Taking Stock

Posted November 2012

January 10, 2013toJanuary 11, 2013

Eau Claire, WI

Join Wisconsin Farmers’ Union for two days of shared learning, practical workshops and lively discussions about the CSA movement. It’s been 25 years since the first midwestern CSA farm began operations, and 15 years since we had our last regional CSA conference. It’s time to get together.

Workshop sessions will be organized around the themes of:

  • Beginning CSA farmers and those considering the CSA farm model—Considering the CSA model for your farm, planning for a full season of weekly boxes and production basics
  • Production Issues—Growing practices, box packing strategies, and distribution logistics
  • Building Community—communicating with your members, as well as strategies for providing access to CSA shares for low-income members and working with community partners
  • Financial Management and Planning—Planning for profitability, legal considerations, strategies for sustainable growth, and diversification of the CSA model

The workshops will be primarily presented and moderated by CSA farmers from across the Midwest, representing different scales and models of CSA farms.

The conference will also include two plenary sessions for the whole group to discuss the CSA movement and emerging issues in our region. Plus there will be plenty of time for networking, sharing ideas and socializing with other CSA farmers and CSA and sustainable agriculture advocates.

For more information, see the Wisconsin Farmers’ Union website.

Wisconsin Farm to School Summit

Register now for the Wisconsin Farm to School Summit in La Crosse on June 26th and 27th. This event will showcase current farm to school efforts across the state, as well as new resources for farm to school practitioners and advocates. Information and online registration


CIAS in the community

CIAS works with Driftless Region partners on emerging forest crops

CIAS is working with Rooted Spoon Culinary, New Forest Farm, the Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative and the Midwest Aronia Association on the production, processing and marketing of three forest crops: hazelnuts, aronia and wild mushrooms. These forest products can help chefs create locally-sourced signature dishes, and can help landowners supplement and diversify their income. A June 27 workshop will connect growers with Driftless Region chefs interested in purchasing and using these crops. More information here.

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