Discover How CSA Delivers Fresh, Organic Variety from Food Farm’s Bounty!

WRENSHALL — For many years, Food Farm struggled to make a profit. Despite trying different ways to sell their produce, like farmers’ markets and pick-your-own options, they found it tough to break even.

Back in 1992, at just 15 years old, Janaki Fisher-Merritt attended a meeting about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). This idea allows consumers to buy a seasonal share in a farm and enjoy fresh produce throughout the growing season. Fisher-Merritt recalls that after adopting the CSA model two years later, his family finally started seeing a profit.

“Before the internet, it was hard to tell customers what we had available, especially when we weren’t located in a busy area,” he noted. “The CSA model completely changed our operations.”

Now, Fisher-Merritt and his wife, Annie Dugan, run Food Farm, which spans over 18 acres and specializes in certified organic vegetables. They produce around 250 3/4 bushel boxes every week during the summer, with about half of their crop dedicated to CSA shares.

“The CSA is really how we structure our farm and business,” he added.

In contrast to larger farms that typically grow cash crops like corn or soybeans, Food Farm focuses on a wide variety of organic vegetables. However, due to their size and diverse offerings, they aren’t able to rely on crop insurance like bigger farms can. “Those government systems are designed for larger operations; we have to navigate things differently,” Fisher-Merritt explained.

By offering a CSA, Food Farm secures sales upfront and can plan their production accordingly. This model is especially advantageous given Minnesota’s short growing season. Instead of spending time selling to vendors, they can focus fully on harvesting crops. “This has really reduced the stress of unpredictable harvests,” he said.

With the CSA, the farm can explore a broad range of vegetables. Fisher-Merritt estimates that their summer shares feature about 40 different kinds, compared to just 10 staples that larger grocery chains might offer.

The summer CSA operates for 18 weeks, starting in mid-June, featuring a variety of vegetables. Early in the season, customers see lots of mixed greens, while later they receive tomatoes, melons, and even winter squash in the fall. They take shares to 16 drop-off points across Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, Esko, and Wrenshall.

Despite the summer shares selling out every season, Food Farm also provides specialty shares focusing on specific vegetables, like basil and tomatoes. They even offer a winter share that includes root vegetables preserved in a root cellar.

When setting prices for CSA shares, Fisher-Merritt focuses on the real costs of production. “People typically pay less through the CSA than they would at the store,” he said.

For those hesitant to commit to a full share, Food Farm sells produce to places like Super One Foods in Cloquet and Whole Foods Co-op in Duluth, as well as local restaurants. Fisher-Merritt believes the CSA model is a fantastic way for consumers to connect more deeply with their food choices.

As the awareness and demand for sustainable farming continue to rise, community-supported agriculture plays a critical role in reshaping how we think about our food systems. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 80% of consumers are interested in buying organic produce directly from farms, pointing to a growing trend that emphasizes local and sustainable food sources.

Food Farm’s journey illustrates how adapting to new models can lead to success, providing a vital link between farmers and consumers while promoting healthier eating habits.



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