Three Delaware Area Farmers Share Different Approaches to Community Supported Agriculture

Local farmers from the Delaware Valley region discussed their unique approaches to Community Supported Agriculture at a recent conference. The three operations show how CSAs can be adapted to different farm sizes, business models, and community needs.

ASBURY PARK — Community Supported Agriculture programs vary significantly in their structure and approach, as demonstrated by three regional farmers who shared their experiences at the NOFA-NJ Winter Conference held at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.

The panel featured Dean and Emily Buttacavoli from Cabbage Throw Farm located on the Hunterdon County side of Asbury, John Crooke who operates Tinicum CSA across the Pennsylvania border near the Frenchtown Bridge, and Jeff Tober who oversees Rancocus Creek Farm as part of the Pinelands Alliance initiative.

These Community Supported Agriculture operations have each developed distinct approaches to serve their communities, though all share the fundamental CSA model where customers pay farmers upfront for seasonal produce before crops are planted.

Crooke manages just over four acres of vegetables on a 20-acre property, working alongside his landlord who runs a roadside nursery and farm stand. The arrangement allows them to share equipment and facilities while maintaining separate operations.

“Don’t get in each other’s way,” Crooke explained about the partnership.

His operation employs nine workers, including several full-time positions, and serves 365 households who must collect their shares directly from the farm. Now in his 14th season, Crooke follows organic growing methods but hasn’t pursued formal certification.

“There’s not so much motivation to apply for organic certification,” he said. “With a CSA, you build trust.” He emphasized that his customers know and trust his farming practices.

Over the years, Crooke has adapted his program, switching from large shares to smaller options and implementing a sliding payment scale. He’s also extended pickup hours and uses direct-mail marketing with photographs. His CSA offers customer choice through selections displayed on a chalkboard.

The Buttacavolis face different pressures as their CSA represents their sole income source. Since establishing their farm in 2018, they’ve cultivated seven acres of vegetables on rented land spanning both sides of the Musconetcong River. The property came with existing organic certification.

Their program runs 32 weeks from May through December with three share sizes available. Beyond the CSA, Dean and Emily operate at three farmers markets, allowing shareholders to pick up orders at any location.

“We have a core group of customers,” Dean noted, explaining that their 125 member families “have our back.”

The couple transitioned to CSA during 2021 after feeling pressure to adapt during the 2020 season. Emily handles payments through Square, which streamlines her administrative duties.

Tober’s situation differs significantly as his farm operates under the nonprofit Pinelands Alliance. The organization acquired over 72 acres of former conventional soybean farmland, establishing both their offices and the farm operation on the preserved property.

The land required extensive rehabilitation due to erosion damage and poor stormwater management. Tober focused on reducing erosion, increasing carbon sequestration, and rebuilding soil health. His improvements included planting over 1,200 trees and implementing former Agriculture Secretary Phil Alampi’s beneficial insect program.

The farm now operates sustainably and hosts apprentices through the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farm Training. Tober launched a small CSA in his second year, which has grown to a projected 425 members for the 2026 season with a flexible 21-week share structure.

While offering only full shares, Tober encourages families to split memberships and includes pick-your-own options. The farm’s revenue breaks down as 55 percent CSA sales, 9 percent wholesale, 9 percent farm store, 5 percent deliveries, 5 percent farmers market, 4 percent fundraising events, and 7 percent grants due to their nonprofit status.

The operation also generates income from value-added products. Tober highlighted the strong relationships with members, recalling how staff received homemade baked goods and breakfast sandwiches from customers in 2015.

During the audience question period moderated by NOFA’s Lana Mustafa, the farmers shared advice for improving CSA operations. Crooke emphasized learning from other farms’ practices, while Tober acknowledged the challenge of “CSA guilt” when recruiting neighbors as members.

“It’s easier to sell a member on something new,” Dean Buttacavoli suggested, recommending introducing new vegetables including ethnic varieties to existing customers.

The farmers also appreciate traditional approaches. “It’s like vinyl records,” Crooke said about using chalkboards for customer communication.

“It’s a human-oriented enterprise,” Tober concluded, emphasizing that success depends on attention to details, tracking customer preferences, and innovating when possible.

Dean Buttacavoli, who previously farmed in Camden for three years, noted benefits of urban agriculture. “There is a benefit to growing in an urban setting,” he said, explaining that cities create demand while providing opportunities to educate consumers.

All three operations prioritize sustainability by donating surplus produce, offering pick-your-own opportunities, and composting extensively. The farmers remained available for individual conversations following the panel discussion.