What is Community Supported Agriculture?
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How does a CSA work?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) refers to a partnership between a farmer and a community of supporters. At the beginning of the year, supporters purchase a "share" of the farm's production. In return they get farm fresh produce throughout the growing season.
Advantages for the Consumer:
• Eating ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and nutritional benefits
• Being exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
• Able to visit the farm
• Kids tend to favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never eaten
• Developing a relationship with the farmer who grows the food
• Learning more about how food is grown
Advantages for farmers:
• Receiving payments early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow
• Having an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow
• Getting to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their long
days in the field begin
Advantages for the Consumer:
• Eating ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and nutritional benefits
• Being exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
• Able to visit the farm
• Kids tend to favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never eaten
• Developing a relationship with the farmer who grows the food
• Learning more about how food is grown
Advantages for farmers:
• Receiving payments early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow
• Having an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow
• Getting to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their long
days in the field begin
Community members purchase a share at the beginning of the year from the farm they want to join. Each week (or every other week) throughout the growing season they pick up a box of locally grown, fresh produce. A newsletter is provided that connects members with farm news, recipes and more.
Opportunities to get involved!
Community building is an important part of the CSA approach. Member work and social events are scheduled during the growing season. Working on the farm is not required.
Prairie Sun Farm