Kennebec Valley Farm Organic Farming in Maine.

It's a simple enough idea, but its impact has been profound.

About CSA

For over 25 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.

Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and, in return, receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

It's a simple enough idea, but its impact has been profound. Tens of thousands of families have joined CSAs, and in some areas of the country, there is more demand than there are CSA farms to fill it. This arrangement creates several rewards for both the farmer and the consumer.

CSA Benefits.

For consumers.
- Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits
- Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
- Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season
- Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm - even veggies they've never been known to eat
- Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food
For farmers.
- Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
- Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow to be able to purchase seeds, make repairs, buy equipment etc.
- Have an opportunity to know the people who eat the food they grow