What is Community Supported Agriculture?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) allows fresh food love folks to buy shares of a farm’s harvest in advance. You become CSA members by paying an agreed amount at the beginning of the growing season, either in one lump sum or in installments. The annual cost depends on the length of the harvest season and the variety and quantity of products provided. This upfront payment helps buy the seed and other inputs needed for the season and provides the farmer an immediate income to begin the season.

By paying at the beginning of the season, CSA members share in the risk of production and relieve the farmer of much of the time needed for marketing. This allows the farmer to concentrate on good land stewardship and growing high quality food. In return for their membership fee, consumers receive a variety of freshly picked produce every week. Members eat healthy, sustainably produced food and have the satisfaction of knowing where it came from and how it was grown. Many CSAs offer on-farm social and educational activities for members, further strengthening their connection to the land and with the farmers who feed them.

Read more at: https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-csaguide/