Soil Matters Farm

What is Community Supported Agriculture? CSA is a model of agriculture based on mutual commitment and support between a farm and members of the community, who purchase a share of the farm's harvest at the beginning of the season, then receive a weekly basket of fresh organic produce throughout the season.

Community Supported Agriculture has its roots in Europe and Japan from the 1960’s, and the concept expanded to North America in the mid 1980’s. Today, more than 1,000 CSA projects exist around the world.

Why join a CSA?
- Enjoy an abundance of fresh, local, organic produce
- Meet new people, and learn new ways to prepare and preserve your food
- Eat seasonally, enjoying nature’s changing bounty through the year
- Increase your family’s and community’s food security
- Support ecologically sound and sustainable farming methods
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your food’s production and transportation
- Participate in the growing of your food, without having to be tied down with your own large garden all summer


Where is Soil Matters Farm located? We’re located between Castlegar and Nelson, just south of the Glade Ferry turnoff: 2305 Highway 3A.

When is harvest day? Thursdays. Your box of freshly picked veggies is available after 1 pm, and is kept cold in our large root cellar. If you live in Nelson, one of our working members can bring it to her home for your convenient pickup.

Can the boxes be delivered to my home? No, we don't offer home delivery at this time. Try taking turns picking up with another member who lives near you. If you live in Nelson, the bins are brought to a member's house (see above).

How many members will you have this year? We're expanding our membership to 25 shares.

I have a very small family. Can I have a smaller share? We don't offer half shares at this time. However, you can split a full membership with a friend. You'll need to arrange details of how to split the share between yourselves.

Are the veggies packed for me? Yes, the week's veggies are packed in a bin designated for you. When you join, you pay $15 deposit for two bins. Drop off the bin from the previous week when you pick up the current week's bin. Please return your bins clean.

How much does it cost? We are using a sliding scale this year, with a 10-week season being $200-$250. There are 3 10-week seasons for the full 30-week CSA year (mid April through November). Payment is due before each of those seasons begins: April 10 for the spring season; June 19 for the summer season; August 28 for the fall season. You can join for all seasons or only specific seasons (Spring, Summer, or Fall).

Can I work on the farm to reduce the price? Yes! We encourage working members. You can get rebates of up to $300 off the regular price ($100 per season). Other talents may also be needed, so let us know if you have something special to contribute.

What is in a typical box? Box contents changes with the growing season. Click here for more information on typical boxes throughout the year.

Please contact us for other questions.