Value Added – Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are a powerful way to connect with local eaters and provide a steady income stream. But when you add agritourism elements to your CSA model, you take it to a whole new level with a value added approach—turning members into loyal fans and your farm into a community hub.
What Is a CSA?
A CSA is a subscription model where customers pay upfront (or monthly) to receive a regular share of your harvest—typically weekly or bi-weekly. It offers them fresh, seasonal produce and offers you guaranteed sales and planning stability.
Why Add Visitor Perks?
Traditional CSA models are purely transactional. By incorporating on-farm experiences, you create a value added appeal by:
- Building stronger relationships with members
- Adding value that differentiates your farm
- Encouraging word-of-mouth referrals
- Opening new revenue streams
Popular Value Added CSA Visitor Perks
👩🌾 Member Pick-Up Days with Perks
Instead of delivering boxes off-farm, invite members to pick up their share in person—and give them more than just a box.
Value Added Ideas:
- Coffee or lemonade stand
- Live acoustic music
- U-pick bonus harvest (free herbs, wildflowers)
- A “recipe of the week” demo using box contents
- Farm games for kids (cornhole, scavenger hunt)
🎉 CSA-Only Events
Host exclusive members-only gatherings:
- “Meet Your Farmer” potluck
- Behind-the-scenes tours
- Early access to new crops
- Private flower-cutting evenings or tomato tastings
🧺 Workshop Discounts
Give CSA members 10–20% off your on-farm classes or events—soapmaking, canning, gardening, and more.
📚 Printed or Digital Add-Ons
Include:
- Weekly newsletters with crop stories, cooking tips, or farm updates
- A seasonal recipe booklet
- Farm photography or behind-the-scenes anecdotes
How to Set It Up
🧩 Start Simple
Add one or two low-effort perks your first season, like a welcome gift (seed packets, a magnet, or a free bouquet).
📅 Create a Seasonal Perk Calendar
Example:
- Spring: Behind-the-scenes seedling tour
- Summer: Ice cream social at pick-up
- Fall: Farm tour and pumpkin gift
- Winter: Recipe eBook or preserved food jar
🤝 Communicate Clearly
Let members know what to expect:
- Perk dates
- Any RSVP requirements
- What’s included (and what’s just for fun)
Marketing the Value Added Experience
Use the enhanced experience to stand out in your area:
- Promote your CSA on social media with photos of guests enjoying pick-up days
- Include testimonials about the experience—not just the produce
- Highlight your farm as a place to connect, not just collect veggies
Next Up: In the eighth article, we’ll dig into Seasonal Attractions like corn mazes, hayrides, and holiday markets—high-impact events that bring big crowds and festive fun.
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