There’s still time to sign up for a community supported agriculture share at many local farms, and this year, there are even more options to choose from.

Farms are offering more variety in the food and products available, as well as in the size and seasons of shares. 

In addition to vegetables, some shares include fruits, herbs, flowers, plants, seafood, meat, dairy, eggs, grain, bread and other homemade goods. Some farms are also starting to allow shareholders to customize their choices.

At Brookford Farm in Rollinsford, the four-season CSA includes local grain, raw milk and other dairy products, eggs, pasture-raised beef and pork, and organic vegetables. New this season are broiler chickens.

Also new at Brookford is the option of a build-your-own share featuring a quarterly signup system, a la carte registration, and more affordable prices. Shareholders pick two of three base groups—dairy, vegetables, or grains, then can supplement their shares with additions depending on their diet and needs during the season.

At Meadow’s Mirth, a certified organic farm in Stratham, one share costing $400 entitles you to $440 worth of vegetables, herbs and flowers throughout the season. Shareholders choose the products at farmers’ markets or at the farm stand. They are also offering a pick-your-own blueberry share.

There is a similar, flexible option at Wild Miller Gardens in Lee. Shareholders can get credit for $330 worth of produce, eggs, pork and garlic for $300 up front.

Eastman’s Local Catch, a community supported fishery based in Seabrook, lets shareholders decide how many pounds of fish they would like each week for the six-week summer share starting in mid-June. This year, they have added a lobster option that can be substituted for one week. 

Carolyn Eastman said a representative from the fishery will be available to talk to shareholders about their food at every pickup location this year.She said people are interested in maintaining a relationship with their food providers and she has seen a 95 percent renewal rate as a result. This is their third season offering a CSF.

She said as demand for their fish grows, they’ll add more fishing boats, which is good for local fishermen, like her husband, in a challenging climate. Eastman’s Fish Market opens for the season on May 7.

Heron Pond Farm in South Hampton coordinates pickup sites with Eastman’s for those interested in both. It has also teamed up with New Roots Farm to add heritage, pasture-raised meat to some shares, but these have already sold out. 

Another optional addition to the typical share is homemade bread. Andre Cantelmo, co-owner of Heron Pond Farm, said his wife is starting a creamery and they will also have cheese and butter in the future.

“We’re excited about the larger diversity this year and being able to offer a greater service to the community,” he said.

Registration has been open for a few months now, but Cantelmo said the season is getting off to a late start since so many people don’t consider a share until it gets warmer.  

Shareholders in a CSA commit in advance to share in the risks and benefits of the year’s harvest. They receive freshly picked seasonal food, usually on a weekly basis, in return for their investment in small farms and the local economy.

In addition to veggies, Riverside Farm in North Berwick, Maine, provides local eggs, honey and milk as well as bread, chicken potpies, fruit pies, relish, fruit spread and plants.

Two Toad Farm in Lebanon, Maine, grows more than 200 varieties of vegetables as well as medicinal and culinary herbs, cut flower bouquets, native plants and sustainable, wild-harvested mushrooms.

Other Seacoast farms with shares available include Applecrest Farm in Hampton Falls, Stonewall Farm in Nottingham, Touching Earth Farm in Kittery, Maine, Wake Robin Farm in Stratham and Willow Pond Community Farm in Brentwood. 

There is also a multi-farm collaborative CSA program comprised of organic growers from the greater Newburyport area. For more info, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on other CSAs, visit www.seacoasteatlocal.org.