Both members and farmers report that effective and frequent communication among farmers and members is a critical element of a successful CSA farm. Defining boundaries is one challenge farmers face when they open their farm to visitors. CSA farmers may strive to deepen the connections between their members and the farm, but the farm is also their home. Frequent field days and unexpected visitors can cause farmers to lose the sense of privacy and solitude which may have attracted them to farming in the first place. Balancing income and expenses Interviews with CSA farmers suggest that many are committed to farming and to CSA as a matter of principle and as a lifestyle.
Farmers face the challenge of developing their farms into successful business enterprises as well.
Since a CSA farm sells its produce before the growing season begins, the farm s gross CSA income can be easily calculated. CSA farmers need to determine what costs they need to recoup from the membership income. For example, although much of the promotional literature on CSA stresses that CSA provides a model for economically sustainable farming, many CSA farmers report continuing struggles in getting adequate returns for their labor and a lack of adequate health care and retirement security. CSA farmers and members need to work together to solve these dilemmas. Educating members about what their membership money is used for is helpful in building a supportive and knowledgeable membership.