Community Sustainable Agriculture (CSA)

Did You Know?
What is Community Sustainable Agriculture (CSA)?

In a nutshell Community Supported Agriculture is a program where a local farm offers prepaid subscriptions or shares for a weekly box of fresh food.

“(CSA) is a new idea in farming, one that has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United States from Europe in the mid-1980s.

Basically, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes a community, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.

Typically, members or “subscribers” of the farm or garden pay in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production.

Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests.

By direct sales to members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.”

Why Participate in a CSA ?
The most important advantage is the quality of food you receive. The fruits and vegetables that go in the boxes are usually picked the night before or day of the pickup or delivery. Unless you are growing yourself, you can’t get fresher food.

When you sign up for a CSA programs from participating local farmers, co-ops or farmers markets you help support the local economy and are a part of sustainable growth for the future.

How Can I Participate?
CSA producers can be located by searching through the web I found this site that offers some options: http://www.localharvest.org/search Just type in your zip code and you’ll find several options for your area.
.
*An EXCERPT from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): An Annotated Bibliography and Resource Guide