Community Supported Agriculture
A CSA is a relationship of mutual support between farmers and community
members who pay the farmer an annual membership fee to cover the production
costs of the farm. In turn, members receive a weekly share of the
harvest during the local growing season. The arrangement guarantees
the farmer financial support and enables many small to moderate family
farms to remain in business. Ultimately, CSAs create "agriculture-supported
communities" where members receive a wide variety of foods harvested
at their peak of ripeness, flavor and vitamin and mineral content.
The goals of CSAs are to support a sustainable agriculture system
which:
- provides farmers with direct outlets for farm products and ensures
fair compensation;
- encourages proper land stewardship by supporting farmers in transition
toward low or no chemical inputs;
- strengthens local economies by keeping food dollars in local
communities;
- directly links producers with consumers allowing people to have
a personal connection with their food and the land on which it was
produced;
- makes nutritious, affordable, wholesome foods accessible and
widely available to community members. -Robin Van Eyn Center www.csacenter.org
The Alternative Farming Information Center
Look up by State or Zip Code. Learn about CSAs!
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/
