Community Supported Agriculture is the new way of farming for many small and large local farms. Although its been around for some time, recent concern over eating locally and supporting local business has caused community supported agriculture, or CSA, to grow in tribute.
In short, CSA allows for farmers to melt with local consumers before the start of their growing season. A farmer, or syndicate of farmers, will plan a co - op of sorts and concede members to ultimately purchase " stock " in the future crops. As fruit and vegetables become available, the farmers typically deliver baskets to thick convenient drop - off points, where members can pick up tabloid supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season.
The benefits of community supported agriculture are staggering, for both the farmers and consumers involved:
Farmers typically gate loans from local banks at the beginning of each season. They lack cash to plant their crops and most farmers have to borrow the money on a yearly basis. They pay the banks back, with interest of course, when they are able to sell glean and sell their product. Farmers spend the entire season bright for a good year that will confess them to fee the bank in full while retaining enough money to live throughout the winter months.
Community Supported Agriculture allows the farmers to borrow less or bypass the bank entirely. This keeps farmers in the field doing what it is they do best - growing crops. It also allows local community members to take on a small amount of risk - if a farmer has a bad season, each member will end up with less product, but at least the farmer doesn ' t end up owing more money to a bank than he was able to make.
Not having to repay bank loans and interest also allows farmers to sell their produce at more competitive prices, resulting in significant savings for consumers and more money in the farmers pocket. When they aren ' t going through the middle - man ( a store ), they keep the profits. Again, they can offer better pricing which benefits everyone.
The benefits to community members who participate in a local CSA is even greater. First, buying into a farmers future yield at the beginning of the year ensures that families will receive the freshest produce - often within 24 - 48 hours of harvest. Members also enjoy knowing exactly where there food is grown. In fact, many farmers have family days where members can come to see exactly how the crops are grown and cared for.
Green living and eating locally are two of today ' s hottest buzzwords. Involvement in community supported agriculture allows members to feel good about both. Buying local products means that food travels less to reach its final destination. Very fresh produce is healthier and better tasting than items that have traveled and then sat on store shelves for days or weeks.
This process also keeps money in the local community - with local consumers supporting local farms, instead of farms located across the country.
While members do take on a small amount of risk - remember, it ' s essentially like buying stock in a future crop - if the crop fails, the investment is gone - the vast majority of people enjoy significant money savings over time. Members are able to purchase items for less directly from the grower and farmers typically yield enough produce to meet the needs of their members.
Community Supported Agriculture is available in nearly every community in the United States - even in very large cities. Those who are interested in getting involved can usually choose a buy - in level that fits their personal needs and budget, making it a win - win situation for everyone involved.
While CSA probably won ' t do away with farmers markets, they are certainly changing the way we look at farming today!
