CSA
Community Supported Agriculture
What is CSA?
In Community Supported Agriculture, a group of individuals pledge support to a farm so that the farmland in a sense belongs to the community. Supporters provide support and share the risks and benefits of the farm's production.
Facts about CSA
- There are over 12,000 farmers selling their produce through CSA nationwide.
- California has more CSA farmers than any other state.
- Over 40% of CSA farmers donate excess food to food banks.
- CSA farmers often sell their products through other markets too, such as farmers markets or to local restaurants.
Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture: 2012 Census of Agriculture, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Survey of Community Supported Agriculture Producers.
Advantages for Consumers
Fresh Produce
Consumers can enjoy fresh produce that is generally more nutritious than food grown by large scale farms.
Visit Farms
Consumers get the opportunity to visit local farms and get to know the farmer.
Try New Foods
Consumers get the opportunity to be exposed to new foods and ways of preparing them.
CSA helps to support farmers by providing a steady flow of income throughout the year and guaranteeing a market for the crops.
Benefits for Farmers
Farmers receive a more steady income and can more easily afford to invest in the farm in order to improve yields for the future. Farmers also do not have to bother marketing their produce, which takes time away from tending to their crops. Farmers also get an opportunity to meet the people for whom they produce food.