Community Supported Agriculture
CSA members enjoy the benefits of the freshest, most nutritious produce available, that is grown locally and in-season. CSA members are encouraged to visit the farm and be more actively involved in the process of growing the food that they eat, and are able to know not only who produces their food but also what methods are used. Members are supporting local, sustainable agriculture a worthy cause in itself, while enjoying their delicious food.
A Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) consists of a community of people who pledge their support to a farming operation at the beginning of a growing season. CSA members typically pay a portion up front for their membership at the beginning of the growing season and the balance over two payments throughout the season. A membership usually consists of a weekly or biweekly share of fresh, local fruits and vegetables as they become available. The CSA members and the growers share together the risks and benefits that are inherent in food production.
A CSA is different form buying clubs and home delivery services where consumers buy a specific product at a predetermined price. Instead, CSA members receive only what is successfully grown and harvested, as it becomes seasonally available Members typically pick up their food boxes at a predetermined pick-up site, although some programs do include home deliveries.