What is a CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA is an agreement between the consumer (i.e. the community) and the producer (i.e. the farmer) in which the consumer agrees to purchase a share of the season’s produce up front at the beginning of the season, direct from the farmer. This agreement benefits both the shareholder and the farmer. The shareholder benefits by receiving local produce regularly at the peak of freshness and quality, in addition to having the privilege of knowing exactly where the food comes from. The shareholder also has the satisfaction of knowing that they are supporting the sustainable practice of diversified local organic agriculture! The farmer has the benefit of selling direct to the shareholder without having to go through distributors and other “middlemen,” and gains the security of fair pay for their work. The shareholder assumes some of the same agricultural risks that every farmer faces; both sparse and abundant yields depend partly on weather and other environmental factors. The CSA agreement creates the fair and equitable environment necessary for the survival of the small farmer, and provides new opportunities for the consumer to connect with their environment. Best of all, the CSA builds (and supports) community relationships, fostering a healthier way of life for all involved. The benefits are financial, ethical, relational, healthy, educational, environmental, and much more!