Rebirth of the Small Family Farm: A Handbook for Starting a Successful Organic Farm Based on the Community Supported Agriculture Concept

by Bonnie Gregson Bob Gregson

This is a concise, yet complete handbook for starting a successful organic farm based on the community-supported agriculture concept. Written for farmers and non-farmers alike, the book illustrates how two middle-aged novices are making a decent living on less than two acres of land. Bob and Bonnie found few resources applicable to their situation when they began researching making their farm dream a reality and the book originally stemmed from their own desire to help others by sharing universal guidelines on small farm start-ups. The model explained in the book is an updated version of the diverse market gardens/farms found throughout recorded history. Not just a theory book, it details specific tools, techniques and how-to information. The Gregsons share sound advice, along with specific tools, marketing techniques, and planning guidelines, such as start up requirements, business plan basics, the importance of value-added products, choosing the best equipment and supplies, and more. The core of their operation, the subscription system, is examined in detail, with sound recommendations and guidelines for implementation.

66 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sabrina Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer if thinking of starting a CSA. Many other in depth books referenced.

[Felicity Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice from early CSA farmers

I've been reading a lot about gardening, self-sufficiency, permaculture, and urban gardening.b this was the only book which specifically had CSA in the title. I've loved the idea of CSAs for years and we are finally a subscriber this summer!

Bob and Bonnie write from their own experiences as first generation farmers in the late 1980s and 1990s. Some of the cultural settings for CSAs has certainly moved on in the last 20 years! However, their advice about how to get started, how to plan, how not to over-commit, and what's reasonable in terms of annual income is straightforward and very helpful. I especially appreciated their epilogue!

[Lore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick read that is full of information regarding the authors' experiences with transitioning from other professions into operating a CSA by farming two acres without hiring additional employees. This is a helpful read regarding some of the groundwork (pun intended) that can prove very helpful for folks interested in subsistence agriculture and small family farms. I detracted one point for information that was occasionally too surface level and for some moderately sexist language.

[Pat Muccigrosso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never got a chance to convert my 2.5 acres to a small farm (hubby is "not a man of the soil") but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the insight it gave me to working on a small farm and being part of the organic farming community. A nice read if you're interested in organic farming and a solid, information-packed book if you want to give small, organic farming a try.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book. easy to read. this book gives a fairly simple outline of what is involved in a small family farm. it is written from the authors experience, so you have to adapt the information provided to your own situation.

[Jacob Goldfarb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for basic information and reassurance that this lifestyle is possible for lifelong urbanites.