For a hard copy of the locator call 1-888-516-7797 or 1-800-516-7797

This is a low-cost resource for anyone interested in using seasonal produce. This 200-page book contains more than 370 recipes and features 46 different vegetable and herb sections.

To order: contact Doug Wubben at 608-226-0300 or log onto www.macsac.org.

This manual provides an overview and step-by-step description of CSA, including history, philosophy, how to start and operate a CSA, management and production issues, sample documents from working CSA farms, descriptions of pitfalls, outlook for the future, and an extensive resource and materials list.

To order: http://www.csacenter.org (select "Ordering")

This book outlines the legal concerns farmers and operators need to be aware of when selling directly to the consumer. However, this book is already somewhat dated. And according to our marketing guru, Michelle Frain, "The rules are different from state to state and even county to county sometimes--so it is difficult to have one national standard book on direct marketing." Our advice? Save the $20 and instead check out the business law section of sba.gov. Sba.gov is a great online reference for small businesses.

To order: Drake University Agricultural Law Center, 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311, phone 515-271-2065; $20.00

One of the original manuals on CSA style farms by one of the pioneering forces of the movement this book has a lot of historical value but some of the information may be dated.

To order: http://www.csacenter.org (select "Ordering")

This research article, based on interviews with active CSA farmers, details some of the most common problems facing new CSA operators then offers field tested solutions.

Availability: http://www.wisc.edu/cias/pubs/briefs/040.html or CIAS UW-Madison, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison WI 53706, phone 608-262-5200, fax 608-265-3020, e-mail ramcnair@facstaff.wisc.edu; free publication.

A follow up to Managing a CSA Farm 1, this article focuses on the community and support elements of CSA, including: building memberships, fostering reciprocating relationships, communicating effectively, establishing a core-group and the trade offs of running a community-based enterprise. Also reviews outside marketing opportunities, watching out for conflicting interests, running a profitable operation and training opportunities available.

Availability: http://www.wisc.edu/cias/pubs/briefs/041.html or CIAS UW-Madison, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison WI 53706, phone 608-262-5200, fax 608-265-3020, e-mail ramcnair@facstaff.wisc.edu; free publication.

This article, an interview with Dan Wiens, gets off to a bit of a rocky start but it ends with some valuable information from one of the pioneering forces of CSA's in Canada.

Availability: Ecological Agriculture Projects, McGill University http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/MagRack/SF/Spring%2094%20E.htm

Community Supported Agriculture: Business Management Series
Katherine Adam. Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) (2002)

The most interesting section of this one page document is the second and third paragraphs. Here the document assesses the job skills a CSA operator should possess, location and community requirements and other elements that factor into a successful CSA operation.

Availability: http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/csa.html pdf available online

The project began by gathering a list of all the CSAs in the Northeast. For three years, these CSAs were surveyed annually as to their practices, programs and experiences. The project combined their findings, along with pertinent research, essays, profiles, articles and resources—the results, a valuable resource for CSA's everywhere.

Availability:CSA Farm Network Publications, 130 Ruckytucks Road, Still water NY 12170, phone 518-583-4613; Volume I (1996), $6.00 plus $2.00 mailing; Volume II (1997), $10.00 plus $2.00 mailing; both Volumes I & II, $14.00 plus $2.50 mailing ($16.50)

This case study of a Canadian CSA operation studied the economic advantages of a CSA style financial plan compared to that of traditional debt financing in agriculture. Results show through detailed budget analysis that the CSA plan increased revenues by 34% while eliminating financing costs between 1.1 and 3.4%.

Availability: Find the complete study at http://www.actahort.org/books/524/524_16.htm. Available online for $5.00.

This quarterly newsletter edited by two Michigan CSA-farmers, begins with a feature article that gives a well-rounded, in-depth look at one aspect of CSA life. A recent issue featured tips on effective print communication specifically related to promoting the CSA and writing the newsletter. Another explored the pros and cons of the many available share distribution options. The newsletter also includes industry news, book reviews and recommended websites. Well worth the $15/year subscription price (special to New Farm readers), better yet get the email version for a fraction of the price.

Availability: To subscribe send a check to The Community Farm, 3480 Potter Rd., Bear Lake, MI 49614. 231/889-3216, email fivespringsfarm@yahoo.com on the web at http://tcf.itgo.com/. Sample available on request.

The Tool Kit contains videos, resource materials and activities for small and large group gatherings with a focus on building healthy communities by linking people with their food, the land and each other.

Availability: To rent or purchase a Tool Kit, call 651-653-0618.