Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a method of food production and distribution where members invest in local farms. CSA members provide farmers with a stable income. In return, farmers provide members with a share of the farm's production. CSAs are part of the local food movement.
Types of CSAs
The majority of CSAs sell produce such as fruits and vegetables. There are a number of CSAs that provide animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy and wool.
Organization
Members generally pay a lump sum to the CSA at the start of the growing season. Pickup occurs at a centralized location, such as a farm or farmers' market, on a weekly basis. A small but growing number of CSAs offer payment installment plans and delivery services.
