CSA Basics
How CSA Programs Work in Canada
An explanation of the CSA model — how farms set share prices, what members receive, and how the subscription structure distributes risk across the growing season.
A reference covering how community-supported agriculture works in Canadian provinces, what to expect from a farm share, and how to cook seasonally from weekly box deliveries.
Latest Articles
Each piece covers a specific aspect of community-supported agriculture in Canada — from program mechanics to what lands on your plate.
CSA Basics
An explanation of the CSA model — how farms set share prices, what members receive, and how the subscription structure distributes risk across the growing season.
Choosing a Share
Factors that help narrow down which CSA fits your household — share size, pickup location, delivery frequency, add-on availability, and farm certifications.
Seasonal Cooking
Practical approaches to cooking through a weekly CSA delivery — handling unfamiliar vegetables, reducing waste, and building flexible weekly menus around what arrives.
Context
Spring–Fall
Typical Season Length
Most Canadian CSA programs run 16–24 weeks, from late May through October, with winter shares offered by a smaller number of farms in milder regions such as southern British Columbia and southern Ontario.
Weekly
Standard Delivery Rhythm
The majority of Canadian CSA farms deliver or prepare shares for pickup once per week. Bi-weekly options exist for smaller households or those who supplement with other sources.
Province-Wide
Geographic Spread
Active CSA programs operate in all major Canadian provinces. Ontario and Quebec have the highest concentration of farms, while programs in Alberta and British Columbia have grown substantially over the past decade.