A good explanation of a CSA Borrowed from Common-Thread

What is CSA?

It' Simple

The concept of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is simple. Each shareholder, as a member of the farm community, buys a "share in the harvest." This fee supports the running costs of the farm. In return, the farm supplies a weekly share of produce.

Real Food, Real People, Fair Prices

Community Supported Agriculture is a partnership between farmers and local consumers to help ensure fresh produce grown locally is provided locally. Members of a CSA pay a fee to a local farmer at the beginning of the season for a "share" of the produce, which is often delivered to a pick up location or picked up at the farm. A share can consist of fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, eggs, poultry and much more.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model of agriculture that fosters a direct relationship between the farmer and the community. CSA is a direct marketing approach that promotes fair prices for the farmer and the members by eliminating the middle person.

Mutual Relationship

When you support the farm by being a member you engage in a mutual relationship with the farmer. By selling directly to members who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers may receive better prices for their crops and gain some financial security.

Financial Stability

This unique arrangement provides the farmer with the financial stability necessary to operate in a sustainable way while offering farm members the opportunity to see firsthand where the food they eat comes from as well as to get to know the folks who grow it.

Strengthening Community

CSA is about building community and engaging citizens in taking responsibility for the land on which their food is grown. The farmer and the farm member share equally in the rewards and risks inherent in agriculture. A CSA brings together a farm and a community in a mutually supportive manner for the purpose of providing the freshest, most nutritious food from a viable local farm.Get To know Your Farmers And Where Your Food Comes From!