Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a unique partnership between eaters and farmers. Members normally join a CSA at the beginning of the calendar year, reserving a spot and paying for at least part of the season up front. This helps to provide a guaranteed market and income to the farmer. The farmer then provides a weekly share of fresh, seasonal, organically-grown vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs and/or meat during the growing season. Both partners share in the risks and rewards of small-scale farming, from weather worries to bumper crops.

CSA's are a great way to get to know your farmer, your community, and your vegetables and fruits. Most provide information with each week's share to help you prepare those fresh vegetables you may rarely eat. Some require participation several times a year, either helping with harvesting or distributing the food. Others deliver right to your door.

Each CSA is unique, so be sure to learn the specifics. If you are interested in joining a CSA, ask the farmer about the following:

* What quantity of produce can I expect to receive from week to week?
* What is the payment schedule?
* Is the produce grown using organic farming methods?
* Do you welcome visitors on the farm?

Many of our member food producers have active CSA programs. To find them today, use the SEARCH function on our bulletin board: keywords "CSA" or "Community Supported Agriculture"

LINKS:

CSA - History, Models and Trends (an ATTRA publication, available in .PDF, too - 16 pages, 806KB)