What is CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) provides farmers with a sustainable economic model that is aligned with the natural cycle of small scale farming. CSA members support the farm by paying a lump sum at the beginning of the season, and in return, members secure their share of the farm’s seasonal harvest.
CSA is a system that benefits everyone: The farmer gains a sustainable and viable business model; the consumer receives fresh, local, affordable, healthy food on a weekly basis; the local economy is strengthened; and the local environment becomes healthier as CSA’s cut down on transportation and packaging.
By joining TOPSOIL’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program you become part of our farm family and own a “share” of our 2023 harvest.
What You Are Buying Into
By purchasing your CSA membership, you are not just buying fresh local produce, you are becoming part of our farm family and mission of creating a more sustainable local food system here in Victoria.
You become part of our innovative approach to food production – one that values environmental sustainability and the local economy.
Because a CSA membership creates a direct link from us to you, we can bypass the long and complex industrial food supply chain. This means: No dirty supply chain, No tasteless produce sitting in a warehouse sprayed with chemicals and preservatives, and Minimising wasteful packaging and C02 emissions associated with food transportation.
Urban agriculture is an innovative way for all of us to be part of a better food system. One which grows food that is healthier for us, cares for the environment, and just simply tastes better.
For us, that’s what a CSA membership is all about!
When: May 18 – October 7 (20 weeks)
From May 18 until October 7 – freshly harvested and locally curated vegetables are provided on a weekly basis for 20 weeks
You will receive 20 CSA veggie boxes in our full 2023 summer season.
How it Works
- Before the first seed has been sown for the season, you purchase your “share” of this year’s harvest.
- TOPSOIL “shareholders” pay a lump sum at the beginning of the growing season. Your payment secures your share of the 2023 harvest and also provides TOPSOIL with the necessary start-up funds to purchase seeds, supplies and materials and allows us to focus on growing high quality produce for you!
- Starting May 18, each week (for 20 weeks) our team will harvest and curate a delicious box of fresh local produce from our farm and our local farm partners.
- Your box will be ready to PICK-UP directly from our farm (395 Harbour Road) on the specific pick up day/time you commit to at the beginning of the season.
As a valued member of our CSA family we really look forward to getting to know you and providing you with the highest quality, freshest produce available. As the pick up location is at the farm you will be able to see exactly where and how your food has been grown!
What’s in the box?
Members receive an assortment of different delicious fresh seasonal vegetables every week from our farm and our local farm partners!
Regular Items
Some regular items that you can expect throughout the season are:
- TOPSOIL – gourmet salad greens, kale, chard, radishes, sweet baby turnips, herbs and others
- Northstar organics – carrots, beets, zucchini, cucumbers
- Glandford Greenhouse – cherry tomatoes, vine tomatoes, peppers
- Lockwood Farm – Eggs (half a dozen)
Seasonal produce
Other items that may be available intermittently throughout the season:
Same day freshness
Everything that you receive in your box will be harvested the day of or the day before you receive it to ensure you are getting the highest quality freshest produce available!
The produce will be packed into a paper bag for you to pick up.
There is no option for customising what you receive in your box this year. We will do our very best to ensure that the value of your TOPSOIL box exceeds expectations :)
Where and when do I get my box?
From May 18 until October 7 – freshly harvested and locally curated vegetables are provided on a weekly basis for 20 weeks
You will receive 20 CSA boxes in our full 2023 summer season.
Members pick up their box directly from the TOPSOIL farm at Dockside Green:
395 Harbour road. Victoria, BC V9A 3S2
There is parking available however if the parking lot is full there is ample street parking around as well.
You can also bike/walk as we are located directly on the galloping goose trail.
Members will be prompted to commit to a pick up day and time that works with your schedule (this way we can plan our weeks and know how many people are coming to pick up on any given day)
Members will choose from
- Thursday (4-6pm)
- Friday (10am-noon)
- Friday (4-6pm)
- Saturday (10am-1pm)
Please note that these days and times are subject to change based on total number of members
2023 Pricing
Purchase Dates: Feb 15 – April 15
CSA Dates: May 18 – Oct 7
Duration: 20 weeks
Price per box: $35 per week
Price: Lump Sum payment – $700
Paying for your Box:
We prefer e-transfers because as a small business processing fees can add up. We also accept credit card payments.
To pay by e-transfer
- From your on-line banking website choose to transfer funds through an INTERAC e-transfer.
- Transfer to “TOPSOIL CSA”
- Send $700.00 to: chris@topsoileatlocal.com
- Message: In the message box, please print your full name.
Please Note: Your CSA membership will not be secured until we receive payment.
We will send you a confirmation email when your payment has been received.
To pay by credit card
Please click the link below and follow the prompts to pay with a credit card.
If unable to receive a box
If you know you will be away, on vacation, etc. and can’t pick up your box please let us know at least 2 days in advance, before we harvest and pack your vegetables.
If you can’t pick up your box on any given week, here are some options:
- Have a friend/neighbour pick up on your behalf (they just give your name at pick up).
- Have us donate your box to a local charity or community member.
Please note We do not offer refunds
CSA Member Commitment
The major advantage of a CSA membership is that, if the season is good then you will reap the rewards of a bountiful harvest and receive more than was planned! We pledge to provide our CSA members with extra produce whenever it is available.
However, on the flip side, the idea behind Community Supported Agriculture is that the risks inherent to farming are shared between the farmers and the members. By becoming a CSA member you understand and will be tolerant of any uncontrollable natural event, such as hail/snow, heat wave, ect that may hinder our ability to provide produce on any given week. We strive to establish robust and resilient soil and systems that are capable of handling variable weather, however please bear with us if the weather is not cooperating– we will do our very best to ensure that the value of your TOPSOIL box exceeds expectations :)
