Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) at MTSU: Join and Reap the Benefits

At MTSU's Small Farm, we're thrilled to offer a unique CSA experience that brings you closer to the heart of our farm and the bounty it produces. Our CSA program is designed to provide you with a convenient and budget-friendly way to enjoy the freshest, locally grown produce while supporting sustainable and organic farming practices.

The MTSU Small Farm produces a large variety of crops!

 

Community Supported Agriculture is a powerful way to redefine your relationship with food, farmers, and your local community. By becoming a member of MTSU's CSA program, you're not only getting access to the freshest produce available in Murfreesboro and its neighboring regions, but you're also supporting a system that prioritizes health, sustainability, and community connection.

CSA is a partnership between farmers and consumers. Members or "shareholders" commit to supporting a local farm by purchasing a share of the season's harvest. In return, they receive "farm boxes" of fresh, locally-grown produce, or in our case credits towards their purchases.

While there are many online directories and resources to find CSAs, MTSU is proud to offer a top-tier CSA program right here in Murfreesboro, serving both the university community and the larger local population!

By joining a CSA, you benefit from fresh, locally-grown produce, often harvested just hours before you receive it. You also support local farmers, reduce your carbon footprint, and get to discover a variety of produce that's often not available in regular store. At our farm, you will get the pleasure of many varieties of your popular favorite crops as well as some unique offerings dependent on the season.

Like all systems, CSAs have challenges. Sometimes, unpredictable weather or pest fluctuations can affect crop yields. However, being part of a CSA means sharing both the bounties and challenges of farming. It is a genuine connection to where your food comes from. Any issues arising from our production is quickly communicated and we work with our partners (you) to provide the best food and service.

Why Choose MTSU's Small Farm CSA?

The small farm at MTSU is a very special place. Choosing organic and sustainable producers means choosing a healthier future for ourselves and our planet. At MTSU's Small Farm, every crop we plant, and every method we employ is a testament to this commitment. Here is why it's pivotal:

  • Purity Over Chemicals: Organic farming refrains from using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Your food is as pure as nature intended, free from potentially harmful residues.
  • A Flourishing Ecosystem: Our sustainable practices foster soil health, promote biodiversity, and conserve water. It is farming that works in harmony with nature. 
  • Combating Climate Change: With reduced reliance on synthetic inputs and an emphasis on natural cycles, sustainable farming is our answer to helping the growing focus on climate change.

Joining our CSA program is more than just a subscription; it's a stand for health, taste, and environmental stewardship! - JOIN THE PROGRAM NOW!

Discover the Evolution: Our Flexible CSA

At the farm, we're not just breaking the mold; we're reshaping it. Dive into the world of our CSA system—a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. Crafted with dual goals in mind: your convenience and our sustainability. Let's explore our modern twist on the CSA program:

The Partnership Journey: When you become a part of our CSA system, it's more than a mere transaction—it's a commitment. As each new season begins, you sign up for a subscription that best suits your needs. This commitment allows us to plan our crops efficiently, ensuring every plant has a purpose. Your dedication fuels us, empowering us to refine our farming techniques and diversify our offerings. As you fill your kitchen with seasonal freshness, our farm continues to thrive sustainably.

We love our heirloom tomatos at the MTSU Small Farm!

Why this method? It's our way to celebrate our shared journey. This allows us to tailor our crops, ensuring every plant has a purpose. More so, your upfront commitment becomes our fuel, empowering us to refine our farming techniques and diversify our offerings. In essence, while your kitchen brims with discounted freshness, our farm thrives in a sustainable harmony.

Chronicles of the Growing Seasons: Our farm revolves around distinct growing seasons, which define our CSA program. These seasons are the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, each can be represented as 20-week seasons. As the weeks rolls by, your shopping draws from the reservoir of your initial deposit. Simplicity and transparency, every step of the way. As the weeks roll by, you can look forward to a fresh assortment of produce, meticulously picked for your subscription. An important sidebar: each season has its entry deadline for our CSA program -- a subtle reminder to synchronize your calendar.

Subscription Tiers Explained:

  • Student Month-to-Month: At $20 per month, students can expect 8 items per week.
  • Faculty/Staff/Community Full Season:

$125 for 12 items per week
$240 for 16 items per week
$320 for 20 items per week
(Note: Small items, such as peppers, will count as multiple units equaling one item.)

What to expect:

As a member of our CSA program, you can anticipate:

  • Access to a diverse range of locally produced fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
  • Harvested-at-peak produce, ensuring the utmost freshness, flavor, and nutrition.
  • Assurance that all our crops are grown using natural and organic methods without synthetic pesticides or herbicides.
  • Convenient pickup options by appointment, available three days a week (M/W/F) at the MTSU Small Farm, or can be picked up during the in-person sales on Campus or at the Farmer's Market in Murfreesboro. Please coordinate through Chris Hall for pickup.
  • A rotating selection of seasonal items sourced directly from MTSU's Small Farm.
  • The opportunity to complement your produce selection with other products such as potted plants, flowers, and other items.

We are excited to embark on this journey with you and provide a CSA experience that caters to your needs and preferences. Join us in supporting sustainable agriculture and enjoying the vibrant flavors of the season.

Contact Us Today to Sign Up!