What's a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA for short, is a new-old system. Adopted from Switzerland and Japan, supporting CSAs has become a movement growing in momentum in the US since the mid-1980‘s. In basic terms a CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to local farming operations by becoming “shareholders” in a selected farm. A monetary “shareholder pledge” in advance of the season allows the farmer to cover anticipated costs of his or her farm operation and also pays the farmer’s salary. In return, as a CSA member you will receive weekly shares of the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season.

Why join a CSA?

Here are just a few reasons:

• Enjoy the satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and getting to know your local farmer.
• Teach your children about where their food comes from & who grows it.
• Eat ultra fresh and seasonal fruits, vegetables and other products that have superior flavor and vitamin benefits.
• Gain exposure to new foods and new ways and styles of cooking.
• Reduce packaging waste and support the environment.
• Join a wonderful community of individuals interested in connecting the farm directly to the consumer and to enjoy activities like farm visits, recipe swapping and more.

Economics of Joining a CSA

CSA shares offer more value for your food dollar.  First, 100% of your money goes directly to the farmer to grow and harvest high quality food for you. By working directly together, farmers and consumers can cut out middlemen related costs (trucking companies, retailers, lobbyists, etc.).

Second, the produce is lower cost and much fresher than supermarket fruits and vegetables.

CSA Costs 2018 Supermarket Costs

Fruit and Vegetables Fruit and Vegetables  

$16  and $29 $25 and $55