CSA is a partnership of mutual commitment between a farm and a community of supporters which provides a direct link between the production and consumption of food. Supporters cover a farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's harvest. CSA members make a commitment to support the farm throughout the season, and assume the costs, risks and bounty of growing food along with the farmer or grower. Members help pay for seeds, fertilizer, water, equipment maintenance, labor, etc. In return, the farm provides, to the best of its ability, a healthy supply of seasonal fresh produce throughout the growing season. Becoming a member creates a responsible relationship between people and the food they eat, the land on which it is grown and those who grow it.

This mutually supportive relationship between local farmers, growers and community members helps create an economically stable farm operation in which members are assured the highest quality produce, often at below retail prices. In return, farmers and growers are guaranteed a reliable market for a diverse selection of crops.

The University of Massachusetts Extension program has directly supported the development of Community Supported Agriculture and worked hand in hand with CSA farms for nearly two decades.

Why Is Community Supported Agriculture Important?

• CSA encourage direct communication and cooperation among farmers and consumers.
• CSA provide farmers and growers with a fair return on their labor.
• CSA keep food dollars in the local community and contribute to the development and maintenance of regional food systems.
• With a "guaranteed market" for their produce, farmers can invest their time in doing the best job they can producing food rather than marketing their products.
• CSA support the biodiversity of a given farm and the diversity of agriculture.
• CSA create a sense of social responsibility and stewardship of local land.
• CSA put "the farmers face on food" and increase understanding of how, where, and by whom our food is grown.

These articles written by Cathy Roth
Reprinted with permission from the University of Massachusetts Amherst: 
http://www.umassvegetable.org/food_farming_systems/csa/index.html

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Find more about CSA's at www.csacenter.org