Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
When individuals pledge to support a farm by buying shares of the farm’s annual production, then you have CSA. This model is marked by a strong producer – consumer relationship. Typically, CSA farmers deliver their produce, meats and dairy directly to the consumer who is able to purchase the best. Because they are provided such service, buyers agree to fund the grower’s whole season. This model assures fresh quality produce to consumers and financial security to growers. CSA’s focus is usually on a system of weekly delivery or pick-up of vegetables, sometimes also flowers, fruits, herbs and even milk or meat products in some cases. You can find a CSA near you at http://www.localharvest.org/.
Sources:
-- “Community Supported Agriculture,” Wikipedia. Accessed Sept. 6, 2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_supported_agriculture
