Community Supported Agriculture
Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a method of food production and distribution where members invest in local farms. CSA members provide farmers with a stable income. In return, farmers provide members with a share of the farm's production. CSAs are part of the local food movement.
Fast Facts
- Operate during growing season
- History: Developed in Japan and Europe in the 1960s
- Most CSAs are organic
- May reduce carbon footprint
- First CSAs: Indian Line Farm, Massachusetts, and Temple-Wilton Community Farm, New Hampshire
- 2008: More than 1,000 CSAs in the United States
Types of CSAs
The majority of CSAs sell produce such as fruits and vegetables. There are a number of CSAs that provide animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy and wool.
Organization
Members generally pay a lump sum to the CSA at the start of the growing season. Pickup occurs at a centralized location, such as a farm or farmers' market, on a weekly basis. A small but growing number of CSAs offer payment installment plans and delivery services.
Potential Downsides
CSA products may cost more than comparable organic products in some retail markets. Additionally, if a farm suffers inclement weather or pest problems, a CSA member may receive fewer items.
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