the csa model Community Supported Agriculture provides structure and security for small farm businesses. The CSA model was created so that farmers could receive income when business demands it. Consumers invest in the farm early in the season (January to May) and receive the fruits of their investment when the farm is most abundant (June to December). This payment structure allows farmers to invest in their annual startup costs (seeds, equipment, and paying employees) when the bulk of the farm work is happening but there are few products to sell. CSA members (or “subscribers”) usually pick up their “share” at the farm (or at a predetermined dropoff location) on a weekly schedule. Though there is much variety in different CSA share offerings, a standard vegetable share usually includes up to a dozen seasonal crops and costs from $25 to $45 per week. The vegetables (or herbs, flowers, eggs, dairy, grains, meats or a combination) are freshly harvested and locally grown. Each CSA share is prepared with little waste or packaging; it will have logged low food mileage and it will have been grown with beneficial agricultural and environmentally responsible practices.
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