CSA

What is a CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge financial support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes the community’s farm, The growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members CSA pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing. Local Harvest

Where did it come from?
Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a new idea in farming, one that has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United States from Europe in the mid-1980s. The CSA concept originated in the 1960s in Switzerland and Japan, where consumers interested in safe food and farmers seeking stable markets for their crops joined together in economic partnerships. Today, CSA farms in the U.S., known as CSA’s, currently number more than 400. Most are located near urban centers in New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and the Great Lakes region, with growing numbers in other areas, including the West Coast.

Why are we doing it?
We want to be able to provide fresh healthy food to local families that is grown without the use of herbisides and pesticides. There is great satification in being able to see where your food is coming from. Also with the energy crisis to be able to purchase food that has not traveled across the country helps us to do our part in the fight against global warming. Best of all we love to play in the dirt. We are going to allow our CSA to go in whatever direction that seem appropriate.