What is Community Supported Agriculture ?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a way for the public to buy locally grown food, create a relationship with a farm, and help to keep small farms in their community. Members make a financial commitment to the farm by buying shares, which provide the farm with the funds needed to grow and harvest the crops. The shareholders share the bounty with the farmer-when the harvest is plentiful the shares are large. However, just as when you buy stock in any company, CSA shareholders also take risks. If a natural disaster (such as hurricane or other weather-related condition or a major pest problem) destroys a crop, the shareholders bear the burden along with the farmer.