Community Supported Agriculture
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a type of agricultural system that involves a direct partnership between farmers and consumers.
In a CSA program, consumers purchase a share of a local farm's harvest at the beginning of the growing season, usually paying in advance.
By buying a share, the consumers commit to supporting the farm for the season and agree to share the risks and rewards of the harvest. This means that if the weather or other factors result in a smaller harvest, the consumers may receive less produce, but if the harvest is abundant, they may receive more.
CSA programs offer several benefits to both farmers and consumers. Farmers receive a guaranteed market for their produce and a stable source of income, while consumers gain access to fresh, locally-grown produce and the opportunity to build a direct relationship with the farmers who grow their food.
In addition, CSA programs offer other agricultural products, such as meat, eggs, or dairy products, depending on the type of farm and the program's structure.