What is Community Supported Agriculture?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs directly link local residents and nearby farmers, eliminating "the middleman" and increasing the benefits to both the farmer and the consumer. In a CSA program, a farmer grows food for a group of local residents (called "shareholders" or "subscribers") who commit at the beginning of each year to purchase part of that farm's crop. The shareholders thus directly support a local farm and receive a low-cost weekly or monthly supply of fresh, high-quality produce. The farmers receive an initial cash investment to finance their operation and a higher percentage of each crop dollar because of direct delivery. Both parties jointly share the benefits and risks.

The CSA model was first developed in Japan in 1965 and called teikei, which translates broadly as "food with the farmer's face on it." European farmers adapted the teikei concept during the 1970s. The first U.S. CSA program was at Indian Line Farm, Massachusetts, in 1985. More than 1,000 CSA programs are operating in the United States today. www.sustainabletable.org

Disclaimer: The information contained on this web site has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material provided in the Vibrant Integrative Nutrition, LLC web site is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health program.