Market Share Program
This year we are offering an alternative to our traditional CSA Program: the Market Share Program! Market Share customers pay upfront for a season's worth of produce from our Farmstand. The variety and quantity of produce you take home each week is up to you.
By participating in the Center for Agroecology Market Share Program, you make the choice to support local agriculture in a substantial way. By committing to a season’s worth of produce grown at the UCSC Farm and Garden, you support us with a market we can count on and plan for. In exchange, you get produce that is picked fresh for you and quality, nutrition and flavor that is unmatched! We make a point to choose interesting and flavorful varieties not widely available that will expand your range while also consistently providing the staples that you depend on. And by supporting the Center for Agroecology in particular, not only are you supporting a local farm, but you are investing in our mission to advance agroecology and equitable food systems through education, research, extension and public service.
2023 Market Share Details
What is the Market Share Program?
Our Market Share Program allows customers to pay upfront for 16 weeks' worth of organic produce from the UCSC Farm & Garden. In return for this investment, Market Share customers receive a 10% discount on produce for the whole season. You can think of it as a prepaid gift card that allows you to shop at our Farmstand this season.
How is the Market Share Program different than a CSA?
Market Share customers pay upfront for a season's worth of produce, but the variety and quantity of produce you take home each week is up to you! Market Share customers can shop at our Farmstand and purchase as much or as little produce as desired without restrictions on what to take home. Having a dinner party? Bring home extra produce to feed your guests. Going on vacation? Skip a week without worrying. The Market Share Program allows customers to have more flexibility in their purchases. Keep in mind that our Farmstand is first-come, first-served for all customers, so you can purchase as many items as as you want with no limits but there is also the possibility that we will run out of items before the end of the day.
When does the season start?
Our 2023 Farmstand season begins July 6 and continues through September 28, 2023. Market Share customers can shop at our weekly Farmstand and receive 10% off purchases.
Where will I pick up my produce?
Pick up produce at our weekly Farmstand in the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn on Thursdays from 12:30pm to 6pm.
How much does it cost?
This year we are offering three options for the market share:- $125 option for $150 worth of produce for an average of $10 per week
- $200 option for $225 worth of produce for an average of $15 per week
- $325 option for $375 worth of produce for an average of $25 per week
If you spend all of your prepaid funds before the season ends, you can make a second purchase of one of the price plans. Credit does not carry over to next season. We accept EBT at the Farmstand and for Market Shares.
Are there reduced cost discounts?
We also offer the following reduced cost options:
- $75 for $150 worth of produce (average of $10 per week)
- $112 for $225 worth of produce (average of $15 per week)
- $187 for $375 worth of produce (average of $25 per week)
I'm a student and interested in signing up for a Market Share
Students with a valid student ID receive a 25% discount on produce from our weekly Farmstand, so we recommend taking advantage of that discount rather than signing up for a Market Share. Students also have access to the Redwood Free Market at Rachel Carson College throughout the summer and school year, and can enjoy the twice a week Produce Pop-Up farmstand when fall quarter begins.
Can I donate a share to a community member or buy one as a gift?
Donations to the Center that help us offer heavily discounted options can be made here. If you are interested in purchasing a gift market share for a loved one please purchase online and use the email address of the gift receiver at checkout.
Where do I sign up?!
