What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

CSA brings together community members, farmers and agricultural land in a relationship of mutual support based on annual commitment to one another, a commitment that ensures the survival of local agriculture today and for future generations. Community members 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 scale organic family farms to remain in business.

Ultimately, CSA creates “agriculture- supported communities” where members receive a wide variety of foods at their peak of ripeness, flavor and vitamin and mineral content.

In the words of Wendell Berry, “how we eat determines to a considerable extent how the world is used”. With this in mind, it is important to remember that the goals of CSA support a sustainable agriculture system.

Agriculture is the mother of our culture. Growing food is a common thread throughout the whole world. It connects everyone, across all party lines, all ethic and religious differences.

Robyn Van En, 1947-1997

CSA- a Solution for Farmers and Communities that...

• Supplies the community with high quality, reasonably priced, usually organic produce.
• Provides the farmer a guaranteed outlet and a fair return.
• Supports farmers in transition towards low or no chemical inputs.
• Keeps food dollars in the local community.
• Creates a viable, economically and environmentally sustainable agricultural system.
• Offers an opportunity to celebrate nature and community for all.

How Does It Work?

The methods of operating a CSA vary considerably. The farmer and group representing sharers may develop an annual budget of expenses and then establish the share price by dividing the budget by the total number of sharers. In others, the farmer may determine the cost of a share based on produce value or weight. Payment for a share may be in one lump sum or in installments; some accept food stamps; some accept labor in lieu of cash; while others may require farm or delivery work as part of membership.

Each CSA is designed specifically for its community and farmer, yet all strive for a truly sustainable operation, both economically and agriculturally.

Crops are planted in succession to provide a continuous weekly supply of mixed vegetables chosen for flavor, nutritional value and to support biodiversity. The farmer frequently grows over 30 different types of vegetables so sharers can expect a wide variety. This greatly diminishes the risk of crop failure while enhancing the soil fertility without the use of synthetic chemicals. Organic growing techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting, green manuring and composting are standard procedures or goals.

What Is a Share?

Each week the farmer harvests fresh, ripe crops that are either divided equally among sharers or into boxes of predetermined quantities. Usually people receive their food within 24 hours of picking. A “share” of generally enough for a family of four or a couple on a vegetarian diet. Sometimes “half-shares” are available.

The price of a share for a season varies widely depending on each farms’ costs of distribution, variety of crops available and productivity of the soil. Most fall within the range of $300 to $600 for a full share. Actual cost of produce to the sharer varies but is generally comparable to the supermarket prices.

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