MSU Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center

The 2022 Fall CSA is full!

Registration for the 2023 Summer CSA will open early next year!

To be added to the contact list for the 2023 Summer CSA, please email MSUE.TollgateCSA@campusad.msu.edu

 

More information on the CSA below!

 

What is a CSA?

A CSA is a system where members buy shares in the growing season. 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 3 years on up! The vegetable production is the home for the apprenticeship program, where novice farmers come to learn production farming during an intensive, season long paid experience.

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 often end up getting to know our members' extended families, their friends and neighbors! We look forward to seeing our members every Wednesday 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 between seven to fifteen 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 partner with local fruit growers to diversify our offering. 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, potlucks 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 twenty week 2022 Summer CSA will begin May 25th and continue until October 5th. The summer season is a journey in seasonality with greens and quick root vegetables in the spring, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, beans, cucumbers and summer squash in the summer months, and carrots, greens, onions, potatoes and leeks to close out the season in the fall.

The eight week 2022 Fall CSA will begin October 12th and continue until November 30th. The fall season comprises a delicious mix of hardy fall greens and storage crops. Members will receive arugula, winter squash, salad mix, carrots, kale, kohlrabi, onions, potatoes, cabbage, scallions, radish, turnips and so much more! 

A late spring half share (top) and full share (bottom). Photos resized to display accurate sizing.

Location and Distribution Time

Members can pick up their fresh produce at MSU Tollgate Farm in the pavilion on Wednesdays between 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. We also have a cooler pickup option that allows you to pick up at your convenience from our walk-in cooler!                                                                                                                                                                                               

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

Looking for a CSA to join this season or your nearest Farmer's Market?

Hop over to Taste the Local Difference's Local Food Directory!

Testimonials from previous seasons:

"Thank you, thank you team for all of the hard work you place into making this such a great experience. Friendly team and delicious produce!"

"Thank you for being so awesome! This is our first time participating in a CSA and I’m in love! My family and I get so excited about going to farm and picking up fresh, healthy produce. Our son has fallen in love with kale this summer due to us coming every week. Before I would have been lucky for him to try it, now after loving kale he tries everything we bring home!"

"Thank you for being such a warm and friendly crew!"

"This was my first year participating in a CSA, and it was above and beyond my expectations. You guys are amazing, the food is amazing, and my life and eating habits have totally changed. Thank you so much! Can’t wait for next year."