The concept of Community Supported Agriculture (“CSA”) is simple. Shareholders buy a “share of the harvest”, agreeing to share the risks and rewards of farming. The farmer pledges to grow the highest quality fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers she can, and the members, in turn, commit to share whatever the harvest brings. CSA is mutually beneficial to farmers and members. For the farmer, planning is easier because the customer base is stable, members’ likes and dislikes are known, and the farmer can tailor production accordingly. Farmers are able to spend more of their time growing the food, rather than packaging, transporting and marketing it. Benefits for members include having a steady supply of locally grown, fresh organic produce, knowing the farmers who grew it and being able to provide direct input on what food is produced and how. Members and their families also are able to be part of a working farm, learn about organic agriculture and harvest some of their own food.
When members obtain food from local farmers, the environmental costs associated with the transport, processing and distribution of the food are dramatically reduced. By becoming a shareholder in a CSA, you help build community, protect the environment and preserve farmland for future generations.
