CSA Summit

The Hudson Valley CSA Coalition’s fourth annual Summit will provide an opportunity to collectively explore and address  the unique benefits and challenges of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Featuring farmer-led learning circles, full group discussion, and opportunities for individual networking, the Summit is a much-needed space for CSA farmers and food systems professionals to connect, learn from one another, and identify solutions to make the regional CSA landscape as vibrant as possible. Whether you are a flower farmer looking to increase member retention; a livestock producer struggling to recruit qualified labor; a vegetable operation hoping to supplement your share with wholesale fruit; or a farmer interested in launching a CSA for the first time this season, the Summit will provide you with tools, an active learning space, and most importantly, a peer network.

Join us for a day of farmer-led learning, educational presentations, and community building. The Summit will include refreshments and lunch for all registrants.

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AGENDA (all session topics, speakers and order subject to change)

***9:00 am: Optional SNAP training with GrownBy. This training is required for any farms interested in participating in CSA is a SNAP.***

10:00 am: General programming begins

Farmer Led Learning Circle I

• Building Equitable Farm Teams with Jon Magee (Agricultural Justice Project), Chloe Lazarus (Not Our Farm) and BR Shute (Hearty Roots Farm)
• CSA Collectives and Collaboration with Kaija Xiao (Gentle Time Farm) and Kate Farrar (Foxtrot Farm & Flowers)
• Crop Planning for Different CSA Models with Jarret Nelson (Glynwood Farm), Michelle Hughes (Reclamation Herb Farm) and Wes Hannah (Solid Ground Farm)

Annual Report from the Hudson Valley CSA Coalition

Lunch

Farmer Led Learning Circle II

• CSA Access & Member Experience with Rica Bryan (Rock Steady Farm) and Jesse Goldfarb (Tributary Farm)
• Flower CSA Profitability and Marketing with Lennie Larkin (B-Side Farm), Marina Michahelles (Shoving Leopard Farm) and Marybeth Wehrung (Stars of the Meadow Farm)
• Farmer Housing with Chris Nickell (Finca Seremos/Hudson Valley Farmer Housing Working Group)

Closing Panel: Fostering Community Spaces with Christina Chan (Choy Division), Steffen Schneider (Institute for Mindful Agriculture), Sarah Chase (Chaseholm Farm) and Rachel Schneider (Rolling Grocer 19)

4:15 pm: Close

4:30 pm: *Optional Happy Hour will be held at Rough Draft Bar & Books*

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Sustainer: Farm Credit East

Builder: Hudson Valley Bounty, Ulster Savings Bank and Milestone Mill

Supporter: Vermont Compost Company

In-Kind Sponsor: Davines and High Mowing Organic Seeds

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Learn more here. 

 

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About the Coalition: founded in 2016, the Hudson Valley CSA Coalition is a collaborative effort of CSA farmers in the Hudson Valley who share a common desire to bring the CSA experience to more of their neighbors and community members. The Coalition is facilitated by Glynwood and includes more than 100 growers in the region.

No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please email us at hudsonvalleycsa@gmail.com if you would like to request a subsidized ticket.