General CSA Info
The term "CSA" stands for "Community Supported Agriculture."  CSA members pay a deposit to the farmer before the season begins, which the farmer then uses to start growing the food and providing it to members on a regular basis.  This forms a unique relationship, and a contract, between the farmer and the members, who essentially become partners in the production of the food they receive.  The following information is intended to answer general questions about the CSA.  If you have more specific questions about the products or how it works, please read our CSA Details page.  Then, if you still have more questions, please contact us.

Basic Chicken & Egg Shares
In 2012 the Fiesta Farm CSA will deliver whole, fresh chickens and/or eggs to our members every other week from April through October, at the following sites:
- On the farm in Watsonville (now in the Royal Oaks/Elkhorn Slough area; we will also have a pickup in town in Watsonville)
- Santa Cruz (east side and west side)
- San Jose (Willow Glen)
- Sunnyvale (at the Saturday market)
- Morgan Hill
- Palo Alto (pending availability)
Members may sign up for as little as a half-dozen eggs with each delivery, up to 4 dozens.  Eggs are priced per dozen, paid in full in advance.
Members may also sign up for chicken shares between 1 and 4 whole chickens per delivery.  Chickens are sold only as whole birds and are priced by weight, with a deposit for about 75% of the anticipated weight paid in advance.  Members can indicate a preference for Cornish Cross chickens (standard meat bird with large, plump breast), or French Ranger chickens (slower growing with smaller breast and higher quality dark meat; priced slightly higher).

Ballpark 2012 CSA pricing is as follows: $7/dozen for eggs; $5.75/pound for chicken (average size 3.5-4 lbs = 3 meals for 2 people).  French Ranger CSA price is $6/pound.

New CSA Items for 2012
In 2012 we will offer two new CSA items - Turkeys for Thanksgiving, and a Heritage Chicken share.  Turkeys can be reserved as early in the year as you like.  We will collect a deposit in the spring, and turkey pickup/delivery will be the weekend before Thanksgiving.  Pricing will be by the pound, with a price cap on very large birds.  Note: A large pasture-raised turkey costs at least $100.  We guarantee the quality of the meat and the ethics behind it will be worth every penny, but this is something to get your head around... it is a special holiday event, not an afterthought from your grocer's freezer.  

We will also raise Heritage Chickens once or twice this year.  These can be reserved in advance with a deposit; pricing will be around $27 per bird.  Heritage chickens will be young, "heavy" breeds like the Buff Orpington or Delaware.  So they will be fairly tender and meaty, but you should expect less breast meat and a stronger texture than what you are used to.