Three Farm Operations Show Different Approaches to Community Supported Agriculture

A farming conference in New Jersey featured three different Community Supported Agriculture models, including operations near Delaware. The panel highlighted how CSAs have evolved to meet varying community needs while providing farmers with upfront income.

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Three distinct Community Supported Agriculture operations shared their unique approaches during a panel discussion at the NOFA-NJ Winter Conference held at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.

The panel showcased how CSA programs have developed differently to serve their communities. Dean and Emily Buttacavoli operate Cabbage Throw Farm in Hunterdon County on the Asbury side, while John Crooke manages Tinicum CSA across the Pennsylvania border near the Frenchtown Bridge. Jeff Tober oversees Rancocus Creek Farm, which operates under the Pinelands Alliance.

These Community Supported Agriculture programs have each found their own specialized approach over time. The CSA model provides farmers with guaranteed income upfront, as members purchase their seasonal produce before crops are even planted.

Crooke’s operation spans just over four acres within a 20-acre property. He manages eight acres total while his landlord runs a roadside nursery and farm stand on the same land. The two operations share equipment and facilities without interfering with each other, according to Crooke.

His operation supports nine employees, including several full-time workers, and serves 365 households who must collect their shares directly from the farm. Now in his 14th year, Crooke follows organic farming methods he’s developed through experience.

“There’s not so much motivation to apply for organic certification,” Crooke explained. “With a CSA, you build trust.” He emphasized that his customers have confidence in his practices without needing official certification.

Over the years, Crooke has adapted his approach. He switched from offering one large share to providing smaller options and implemented a sliding payment scale. Extending the pickup timeframe has also proven beneficial, he noted.

His marketing strategy includes direct-mail materials featuring numerous photographs, and Tinicum offers members choices by listing available items on a chalkboard.

The Buttacavolis depend entirely on their farm income, making their CSA’s success crucial since starting their operation in 2018. They lease land on both sides of the Musconetcong River, cultivating seven acres of vegetables on property that came with existing organic certification.

Their program offers three different share sizes throughout a 32-week growing period from May through December. The couple also operates at three farmers markets, allowing CSA members to pick up shares at any of these locations.

“We have a core group of customers,” Dean Buttacavoli said, noting that their 125 member families “have our back.” The couple felt significant pressure to launch their CSA during 2020 and made the transition the following year.

Emily Buttacavoli mentioned they process payments through Square, which streamlines her administrative duties.

Tober’s situation differs significantly from the others. He explained that the Pinelands Alliance acquired more than 72 acres that had been used for conventional soybean production for decades.

The alliance preserved the property and established its headquarters there, where Tober’s wife is employed. The land had experienced significant erosion and required extensive stormwater management improvements. Tober addressed the erosion issues, began carbon sequestration efforts, and enhanced soil quality.

His restoration work 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 and expects to serve 425 members in the 2026 season. He created a flexible 21-week share program that offers only full shares but encourages families to split them. The program includes pick-your-own opportunities.

His revenue breakdown shows 55 percent from CSA sales, 9 percent wholesale, 9 percent farm store sales, 5 percent deliveries, 5 percent farmers markets, and 4 percent from farm-to-table fundraising events, with grants covering the remaining 7 percent due to the alliance’s nonprofit status.

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

Following their presentations, the farmers answered audience questions moderated by NOFA’s Lana Mustafa. When asked about improving the CSA model, Crooke said he constantly observes other operations to identify better practices. Tober mentioned there’s a “level of CSA guilt” that can be applied to neighbors.

“It’s easier to sell a member on something new,” Dean Buttacavoli observed, suggesting the introduction of new vegetables, including ethnic varieties.

Traditional methods also maintain appeal. “It’s like vinyl records,” Crooke said, referring to his use of chalkboards. “It’s a human-oriented enterprise,” Tober added, noting that success ultimately depends on attention to detail, tracking customer preferences, and innovating when possible.

Dean Buttacavoli previously farmed in Camden for three years. “There is a benefit to growing in an urban setting,” he said, explaining that it creates demand while providing opportunities to educate consumers.

All three operations prioritize donating surplus produce, offering pick-your-own options, and composting as much as possible. The farmers remained available for individual discussions after the session concluded.