Community Supported Agriculture

Cooperative partnerships between local farmers and consumers that create economically stable farming operations, reconnect local residents with their local agricultural base, provide a guaranteed market for growers and ensure availability to consumers of freshly picked produce at a reasonable price. At the beginning of the growing season, consumers purchase a "share" of the season's harvest. Revenue from the shares is used to purchase seeds and other supplies, pay for labor and equipment and cover other operating expenses. In return for their investment, each consumer receives a weekly supply, usually enough for a family of four, of fresh, often organic, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Flowers, meat, honey, eggs and dairy products may be available through some CSA programs. Also included are programs that make shares in CSA programs more accessible to low-income households by paying all or a portion of the cost of a farm share.