What is a garden share or csa?
In simple terms, a csa is Community Supported Agriculture.
What does it mean?
The general concept behind a CSA “Community Supported Agriculture” is to grow consumer awareness of, and involvement in, what it takes to produce fresh food. There is tremendous peace of mind that comes with knowing first hand where your food comes from. A CSA is a partnership between a consumer and a farmer to share not only the harvest but also the inherent risk of growing food. You can find many different variations of a CSA. Some might involve strictly certified organic products, produce that is a little more uncommon to you, a lot or a little product, or even pulling weeds in a garden. It is important to do research, ask questions, and find the right fit for you as a consumer.
genreal features of a csa:
Consumers become CSA members by paying an agreed upon amount of money before the growing season begins. This helps the farmer to buy the seed and supplies needed to begin working.
By paying at the beginning of the season, CSA members share in the risk of production and relieve the farmer of much of the time needed for marketing. This allows the farmer to concentrate on good land stewardship and growing high quality food.
The farmer, using their knowledge and expertise, does their best to provide CSA member with a variety of produce on a regular basis.
In exchange for the membership fee, members receive weekly (usually) shares of what is harvested fresh from the garden once items are ready for harvest. This generally includes vegetables, fruits, greens, herbs, and flowers that have been diligently grown and harvested at peak freshness.