Calgary CSA Guide
A CSA is a Community Supported Agriculture program. It works like a subscription for local produce. You pay money upfront, allowing a farmer financial security for the growing season and then you receive a share of produce from the farm weekly or biweekly to pick up in Calgary.
By purchasing e a CSA subscription you support local farmers and get some of the freshest and most local produce. It gives you a chance to learn more about farming and local growing practices and to ask any questions if you have any concerns about growing practices. CSA’s are also a good way to expand your palate and cooking skills as they generally have a wide variety of vegetables, including some that aren’t usually in grocery stores and will give recipes and cooking suggestions as well.
Usually a CSA share gives a healthy amount of vegetables for a family of two or four. The amount that you get varies according to the harvest meaning that if there’s a robust harvest you’ll get more and if there are any problems you’ll get less. Generally most people find they get more than enough vegetables through a CSA. Valuewise if you frequent farmer’s markets, you aren’t going to find it any more expensive but if you’re a bargain shopper, the CSA is going to be more expensive.
Here are the CSA options for 2019.
CSAs in Calgary:
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YYC Growers is made up of 15 farmers and producers in and around Calgary.
Runs: Year Round with quarterly signups for 13 week season. Weekly pickup
Price: $389.35 (29.95 per week) with option to pay in two payments
Calgary Pickup Options: Wednesday: Aspen, Beltline, Bowness, Hillhurst-Sunnyside, Crowfoot Thursday: Bridgeland, Marda Loop, Westbrook Ramsay Friday: South Foothills Industrial
Option for vacation holds for up to two weeks which will get added on to end of season. Some options to switch out items at pickup.
Eggs and coffee add on available.
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Summit Hill Farm is 1/2 an hour north of Calgary.
Runs: Late June to mid September 10+ weeks, weekly pickup. Option to add a one time Fall Harvest Box.
Price: $300 for half share (pictured above) (>$30 per week), $500 for full share (>$50 per week). Option to pay deposit and pay remainder in August
Calgary Pickup Options: NW Calgary date TBD, option for drop off for $60 per year
Can hold for vacation and pick up double the next week. Some options for customization.
Eggs, honey, lamb and extra vegetable add ons available
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Noble Gardens is close to Lethbridge and has one of the most customizable CSA programs.
Runs: 3 rounds of shares. Early Summer June 9-August 3, Late Summer August 4- September 28, Fall September 29-December 7 Can choose between weekly or biweekly pickup.
Price: Light Share $15 per week (3-4 items), Half Share (5-7 items) $25 per week, Full Share (10-12 items) $48 per week. Can pay in installments
Calgary Pick up Options: Tuesday: Killarney, Southwood Wednesday: Hillhurst Thursday: Bridgeland, Huntington Hills Saturday: Midsun
Option for vacation holds where you can double up on the next week or keep the credit on your account for a future purchase.
Egg, chicken and fruit add ons available.
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Blue Mountain Biodynamics is located near Carstairs and all of their produce is certified organic and biodynamic. They also offer the most add ons.
Runs: Last Week of June- mid October 16 weeks. Option for weekly or biweekly pickup.
Price: $620 for weekly pickup ($46 a week) or $310 for biweekly ($46 a week)
Calgary Pickup Options: Thursdays Hillhurst Sunnyside, Saturdays cSpace
Egg, chicken, pork, honey and flower add ons
Billyco Junction Gardens is an organic farm in Lacombe. They have an option to volunteer on the farm for a discount on your CSA. This is also the only CSA where you can select certain weeks to receive a share and skip others.
Runs: End of June until November 18 weeks.
Price: $630 ($35 per week) or $39 per week to select certain weeks
Calgary pickup: Thursday Lakeview, Wildwood, Lake Bonavista, Scenic Acres
Option to add on an 8 week fruit share or fun share with baked and ready to eat food
If you are thinking about getting a CSA make sure to sign up early as CSA’s sell out fast.
