Community Supported Agriculture

The Community Supported Agriculture model

If you have heard of CSA, you are probably aware that it is a special form of market gardening. Here's what makes it special: rather than selling produce at a farm stand, or the local farmer's market, the CSA gardener grows food for a select group of people - the members of the CSA. This group of people has pledged to support the CSA by paying for a season's worth of vegetables, thus providing the gardener with a guaranteed cash flow. Members often pay in advance for the season, allowing the gardener to get started without spending a lot of her own money for seed and supplies. And just as importantly, the gardener can plan in advance what to grow and how much to grow to satisfy the members.

Most of us have little information about the process of growing and harvesting our food. Growers must meet environmentally safe standards in their growing practices. This gives concerned consumers assurance that their food is fresh and safe. CSAs offer an alternative food system which promotes environmental, personal and community health and assures members that their food dollars stay in their own community.