Community Supported Agriculture

Our farm is operated by the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) principles. Ranging from asking for a 5-10% deposit on our meat orders or our 4 year Forest Garden CSA program. This partnership with our community allows us to focus on doing what we do best, raising nutrient dense food.

Philosophy and Definition of Community Supported Agriculture

1. Community Supported Agriculture defined: CSA is a direct marketing partnership between
a farmer or farmers and a committed network of community supporters/consumers who
help to provide a portion of a given farm’s operating budget by purchasing “shares” of the
season’s harvest in advance of the growing season. CSA shareholders make a commitment
to support the farm financially (and/or through other roles) throughout the growing
season, thereby assuming some of the costs and risks along with the grower.

2. The intended outcome of CSA relationships
a. Greater economic viability for the farmer – Through community member commitment,
CSA relationships may help to ensure the economic viability of regional agriculture by
assuring regional direct market outlets for smaller-scale producers/growers unable or
disinterested in competing in the wholesale produce market
b. Increased consumer contact with agriculture and therefore awareness of and
appreciation for farmland and for the growing practices used
c. Increased awareness and appreciation of seasonal limitations of regional food production
d. Increased consumer awareness of differences in food quality
e. The development of personal relationships between growers and community members
f. Environmental soundness of farming practices
i. CSA and land use practices – The majority of CSA programs use certified organic,
biodynamic, or similar farming practices that restrict the use of synthetically
compounded fertilizers and pests control agents known to pose environmental
quality and human health risks
ii. CSA, cropping diversity, and pest management – In order to provide for the seasonal
fresh fruit and vegetable needs of shareholders, a large variety of crops are typically
grown, which also encourages pest and disease prevention
iii. Financial support for the adoption of conservation farming practices – By making
his or her true costs of production known to a potential shareholder group, CSA
farmer(s) may be fairly compensated for adopting specific conservation farming
practices, allowing the grower to internalize the true costs of production
g. CSA programs’ contribution to social justice and community development – By making his
or her true costs of production known to a potential shareholder group, farmer(s) may be
fairly compensated for specific social services provided by the farm
i. Examples of social services provided by CSA farms
· Limited-income shares partially or wholly subsidized by shareholders, community
members
· Donations of excess produce and/or gleaning programs with food banks and anti-hunger
organizations
· Environmental and agricultural education for the community
· Fair employee/labor compensation practices
· Seasonal celebrations (e.g., harvest festivals)


Source: CSA History