MSU Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center

The Tollgate CSA is back for 2025!

Registration for the CSA will open April 12, 2025

CSA Interest Form

This year we are asking everyone that wants to become a member to fill out this simple interest form before April 21.  All members will be selected at random from this list on April 21. 

More information on the CSA below

What is a CSA?

A CSA is a system where members buy shares in the growing season. In return, during the season, members receive a weekly supply of fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs. 

Why a CSA?

There is no better way to connect with your food, farmers, and the seasons than a CSA! Members receive an abundance of fresh produce, learning to eat and cook with the seasons, while experimenting with new vegetables and varieties. Every week you'll receive your produce within eyeshot of where it's grown by the people who grew it! 

Why the MSU Tollgate CSA?

The vegetable production is a demonstration and training site for 'students' of all ages and types, from 6 years on up!  Our summer campers, master gardeners, volunteers, and college students all help in the planting, weeding, and harvesting of the crops, learning valuable crop production skills.  

Before the seed is ever put in the ground, we know who we are growing it for. We take great pride in our relationships with our CSA members and the food we grow for them! We look forward to seeing our members every week just as much as our members look forward to another haul of great food. Many of our members are involved in other programs on site and become part of the Tollgate family.

How does it work?

Each share will include at least four different vegetables and culinary herbs every week that reflect the seasonal abundance of the farm. There is a strong emphasis on greens and vegetables, although we do hope to have a few fruits as well. In addition to fresh produce, members may also be provided flowers, ornamental pumpkins and other fun extras! CSA members may also have the opportunity to engage in tours of the sustainable agriculture operation and other events catering to members.

We offer a half and full share option! Half shares encompass the same diversity with half the quantity. A full share is great for families of 4-5, or 2 serious veggie consumers. A half share is ideal for a family of 2-3 or 1 serious veggie lover.

The eighteen-week 2025 CSA will begin June 26th and continue until October 30th. The season is a journey in seasonality starting with herbs, greens, garlic scapes, and quick root vegetables such as beets in the first weeks.  Starting in mid-July, produce includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, beans, cucumbers and summer squash.  Apples, tomatoes, carrots, greens, onions, potatoes and winter squash close out the season in the fall.  Please note this is not a complete list of the crops. 

How much does it cost?

Full Share: $990 total (includes all 18 weeks)

Half Share: $495 total (includes all 18 weeks)

Location and Distribution Time

Members can pick up their fresh produce at MSU Tollgate Farm in the Volunteer Center on Thursdays between 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.      

How is the 2025 CSA different from past years?

The 2025 CSA may look a bit different compared to past years. Changes include adjustments distribution, crop variety, and the CSA staff. Our team is actively working to restore the agricultural fields to full production, which has led to a downsizing of the CSA for this year. We appreciate your understanding as we work toward enhancing the program moving forward.

For questions email: MSUE.TollgateCSA@campusad.msu.edu