Community-supported agriculture

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, 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 pledge 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 (usually late spring through fall), as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Subscribers receive weekly or monthly "shares" of whatever the farm produces. Typically this includes produce, flowers, fruit, eggs, milk, beef, and other farm products. In many cases, products are organic.

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

To find a CSA in your area, visit the Local Harvest website.