Why CSA?
Benefits for Farm, Land and Community
Our Marketing approach is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), which differs from farmer's markets in that a limited group of people purchase shares. In return for becoming a shareholder of the farm, these shareholders receive produce throughout the season. Also, because shares are sold and all marketing is completed before the start of the season, CSA allows us to have cash flow early on, when it is needed most. Consequently, loans are avoided, accounting is simplified, and we know immediately if costs will be met for the season. If profits fall short, plans can be made to raise extra money before there is a crisis situation.CSA is also greatly forgiving of natural disasters. Crops are paid for before they are planted, which spreads the financial burden of crop failure among the shareholders during the growing season. In addition, we price our shares at a moderate discount to account for the inexperence of student farmers. Although crop failures may not directly affect farm finances during the current year, they can have serious consequences later. If shareholders aren't willing to accept the burden of failures, and are dissatisfied with the amount, quality or variety of produce that they are receiving, they won't return for the next season -- which could leave the farm in serious trouble if new shareholders cannot be solicited.
More fundamentally, CSA is a concept that supports sustainable organic farming practices. By fostering a direct link with the community, a responsibility to produce food is established. Because shareholders come to expect and rely on the food they receive, the land must be cared for. In this way CSA provides not only a way for organic farms to remain viable in the short-term, but organic practices help CSA's to be sustainable in the long-term. Also, because food is distributed locally, with minimal transportation and processing, energy and limited resources are conserved.
By directly marketing to shareholders, they are provided with seasonal, locally grown, organic produce. But the relationship that CSA fosters is more than an economic one. Social links are often formed through CSA's that can have important consequences. We as growers get to communicate with shareholders on a weekly basis, allowing us to share with them what is going on with the farm, and allowing them to tell us what they think of what we're growing. Most importantly, people are reconnected to the source of their food, and how it is grown. Since food is distributed at the farm, shareholders always have the chance to see the farm operation, the land, and even help with production if they choose. Shareholders also come to understand what can be produced seasonally in the local climate. Often they receive unusual vegetables that can't be found in supermarkets. CSAs can also have an impact on the diets of its members. Not only are they provided with a diversity and quantity of vegetables, but they are extremely fresh, most times having been picked the same day that they are taken home.