Community Supported Stewardship Agriculture

CSSA FAQ

Is there an enrollment deadline?

No! Stewardship happens all year, so our CSSA is set up for rolling enrollment. Your purchase helps support our land stewardship efforts for one year from your enrollment date. You will receive our seasonal newsletter as well as other shareholder benefits for one year from your enrollment date.

Will I actually own a share of land at the farm?

No. You are purchasing the service of stewardship. Our team works hard all year to care for and steward the earth, even when our crops aren’t profitable. The aim of the CSSA program is to disrupt the current system of agriculture economics which forces us to depend on outside funding and crop insurance to cover our operating expenses when crop production is low.

Is my purchase of CSSA shares tax deductible?

CSSA shares purchases are not tax deductible. For those who would prefer to make a tax deductible donation in lieu of purchasing shares you can do so through Vilicus Training Institute. (Patagonia Action Works). Your unrestricted donation will support Northern Great Plains Stewardship Agriculture work including organic grain farming apprenticeship, implementation of associative economy principles and expanding cultural programs.

How many shares can I buy?

We are currently selling 12,508 shares of stewardship. This number reflects the number of acres on which Vilicus Farms operates and provides stewardship to. As this number increases the number of shares available will also increase. There is no restriction on the number of shares one person can purchase.

Does my purchase only support stewardship of one acre of land?

All shares purchased will be pooled on behalf of the farm as a whole. We recognize it would be fun to have a direct connection between shareholders and individual acres. All acres are important and unique and what’s most important is that they are all cared for in a way that enhances biodiversity and keeps their connectivity as parts of a whole farm organism.

Can I give shares as a gift?

Yes! Shares of stewardship make an incredible gift! After you have made your purchase of shares please send an email to [email protected] with your name, and the name, email address, and mailing address of the gift recipients so we can make sure we send our shareholder benefits to the right folks!

What if I don’t want to pay with a credit card?

No problem! Make a check payable to Vilicus Farms and mail it to:
Vilicus Farms
23856 Road 265 N
Havre, MT 59501
Please be sure to write CSSA on the memo line and write your email address on the check so we can contact you!