Even though you have to pay upfront, CSAs are cheaper than buying produce at the store. Most range from $20 to $45 a week, depending on the size of the share that you get.
What is Community Supported Agriculture? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a production and marketing model whereby consumers buy shares of a farm's harvest in advance. Consumers become CSA members by paying an agreed amount at the beginning of the growing season, either in one lump sum or in installments.
Community supported agriculture also encourages ecologically sound farming practices such as organic or biodynamic growing methods. This type of farming also minimizes food waste by producing just the amount of food members need, with minimal unused surplus.
There's something natural about knowing that your food was planted, grown and harvested by an actual human. It connects us to the food we eat and to the land that produces it. A big box of farm-fresh produce put together just for you is pretty great. ... CSAs are the best way to learn about new foods.
Bottom Line: Joining a CSA is a wonderful way to support local agriculture and buy fresh and affordable produce, but it's a big commitment. If you're new to buying local foods, you may want to start by shopping at your local farmers' market or farm stand weekly before signing up for a CSA.
Though the price tag of a CSA can be intimidating, especially if a farm requires the entire cost up front, the best way to figure out if it is cost-effective is to break it down. ... Many find that the value of a CSA is much higher than if they were doing their regular shopping.
Some examples of larger and well established CSAs in the US are Angelic Organics, Golden Earthworm Organic Farm Phillies Bridge Farm Project, and Roxbury Farm.
Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.
CSA gives consumers the chance to choose how their food is grown. Eating locally grown, freshly harvested food is the basis of a healthy diet and is recommended by health-care professionals. CSA offers the opportunity for you to reconnect with rhythms of nature by eating produce when it is in season.
THE IMPACT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE ON HUMAN ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE SUSTAINABLE FOOD MOVEMENT. CSAs have a large positive impact on reducing carbon emissions, advancing local economic growth, and promoting healthy lifestyles of consumers.
Six ways to support local farmers
Benefits of CSA farming for the environment and future generations: Less CO2 emissions from the energy required to transport and refrigerate produce across long distances. No groundwater pollution from pesticides and fertilizers, which ensures better drinking water for us and future generations.
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