what is a CSA?

     Have you ever heard of a CSA before?  Well it stands for Community Supported Agriculture and began decades ago in Japan when the local women were worried about the increased supply of imported food from farmers they had never seen before.  In its basic form it is a way for the community to ensure a safe food supply by supporting its local farmers, who in turn provide the food.

     At the begining of the season, the customer pays in full for share of the farms produce.  Then each week until the season ends, the farmer will provide the customer with their vegetables.  If the farm has an abundance of certian crops, the farmer will share them among his customers.  If the farm has a difficult year, such as from drought, then the customer should understand this and accept what the farmer can provide, but you will always recieve your total investment back in produce.  Exactly how much of what crops and when will vary from year to year. 

     The payment in full at the begining of the season ensures that I, the farmer, can be confident there will be a market for the crops I am growing.  The customer can then be certian that their farmer will be sustainable enough to be farming for many years.  This arrangement also creates an enviroment where the customer and farmer have a more personal interaction.  The farmer can give weekly updates on progress of crops as well as other news from the farm.  The customer can ask questions all throughout the season about varieties, soils, recipies, and more.

     It is really a unique way to for the customer to become more connected with the seasons and the land and the famer who is going their food.  If you are still interested, go to the "pricing and pick-up locations" page for more details!