I hope all this talk the past few weeks have made you want to sign up for Community Supported Agriculture: Just wait until next week – we will give you all the information you need!

Meanwhile, this week we are going to discuss the benefits of a CSA for the farmer.  Community Supported Agriculture is a win-win relationship for farmers and consumers. A CSA allows city residents to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown locally by regional farmers.

Photo Credit: http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/farm-fresh/cooking-locally-grown-food-0305

The major benefit of a CSA for the farmer lies in the business model. CSA members pay for an entire season of produce upfront with promise to receive a share of the harvest. This early bulk payment enables farmers to help with the farm’s cash flow for preparation of the season.

The unfortunate reality is that many small farms need the advance payment to cover anticipated upfront costs, especially with the inherent risks associated with farming. Unpredictable consumer demand, weather and pest risks, and competition from neighboring grocery stores cause farmers a major burden in planning their year’s harvest.

By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.

With the CSA model, farmers are able to:

  1. Cover anticipated costs: plan for the season, purchase new seed & make equipment repairs
  2. Spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
  3. Direct sell to their customers & have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow
  4. Share risk in the case of an unfavorable harvest

Have you participated in a CSA in the past? We want to know: Were you able to foster a relationship with the farmer throughout the season?

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Next week we will explore how you can find a CSA in your area!. Stay tuned!