Community Supported Agriculture - CSA

Community Supported Agriculture (or CSA) is my latest obsession. While CSA programs will vary, the basic premise is the same. You pay up front for a "share" in the farm for the season. You share the rewards, and the risks, of farming for the season. In exchange for your financial support, you get your portion of the harvest delivered weekly. The produce varies based on what is available for harvest each week. Some of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Super-fresh, locally grown produce all spring, summer, and fall, delivered to your home each week.
• Since the produce varies by farm and season, you are likely to get new fruits and vegetables that you wouldn't ordinarily purchase, encouraging you to branch out.
• You can feel very good about supporting your local farming community.

Cons:

• You assume all the cost of your produce up-front.
• You assume the risks of farming, along with the rewards. If there is a flood or a drought, or a certain crop has problems that season, you are out of luck along with everyone else tied to the farm.

I have to do more research, but it appears to be a solid value for the investment. Here are a couple local farms I am looking at. I might be too late for the 2009 season registration but I will definitely be looking into this next year!

http://www.arrowheadfamilyfarm.com/shares.html

http://heronpondfarm.com/content/398

http://heronpondfarm.com/content/1426