In order to operate a successful CSA, you must have a bit of farming knowledge. Organizational
skills are a must as well as marketing skills. Business Management skills will also aid in a
successful CSA. Farming skills include knowledge of growing cycles, crop sequences and
sources for unique or unusual crops. You must also be able to plan for failures. Organizational
skills include dependability, the ability to coordinate work for core group and volunteer
members, the ability to develop a farm plan and budget and the ability to organize membership
and delivery. Developing a farm plan and budget involves developing a bookkeeping system
that records farm expenses, expense projections and income projections. It also involved and
IRS Schedule F - Profit and Loss from Farming. Organizing Membership involves putting
together contact information for each member, development of the types of membership, a
payment schedule and planning a pick-up site and day. Marketing skills include good people
skills, creativity, and knowledge of how to attract membership, knowledge of sharing pricing
and a distribution that works. Business management skills involve determining the level of
liability and appropriate insurance, developing farm policies and creating a legal structure for
the organization