Start A CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture) For Your Community

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CSA (Community Sponsored Agirculture) is a relatively new idea within the United States. It was fist introduced back the late 80s and early 90s however the concept originated some twenty years earlier in Switzerland and Japan. At that point consumers were looking for a means to purchase safe and healthy foods and farmers were looking for stable markets for their crops and CSAs enabled them to create a partnership that benefited both parties.

While American supermarkets supply fruits and vegetables and other farm produce from around the world shoppers are actually getting farther and farther from fresh farm products as the smaller, local farms dwindle and give way to the large corporations. Not only does this have an economic impact on the community but for those who prefer farm fresh produce finding it's become nearly impossible.

Over the past twenty years CSAs became increasingly popular within the United States and in some areas consumer demand exceeds the quantity of available farms. And CSAs arent' limited to fresh produce either. Many farmers are forming CSAs as a group and providing fresh eggs, chickens, flowers, fresh baked bread, fruits, cheeses and all types of farm products. So what are the benefits of a CSA and how does it work?

CSAs operate by selling shares of their harvest to individuals in the community. In exchange, these members get regular baskets of farm fresh produce and other products. One of the most important reasons that CSAs work so well is due to the community spirit they help instill. All of the members now have a vested interest in the farm and it's success. A type of shared risk mentality develops. If a hurricane or hailstorm wipes out the corn crop then everybody feels disappointed together. And if the tomatoes are particularly sweet and juicy this season then everybody celebrates together.

As word spreads through the community more and more folks join to support their local farmer and encourage his success but the biggest benefit to the farmer is that he can spend time marketing his products early in the year before he has to begin spending all of his time in the field. Once it is time for harvest there's very little time left over for the actual selling. And this helps with his cash flow too at a time of year when most farmers really need it.

Of course CSAs don't have to be your only source of income. You'll still sell your products at the local farmer's market, restaurants and through various wholesale outlets. But the most important thing regarding CSAs is the sense of community that they offer. Everybody likes to help their own local small businesses. Sometimes all you've got to do is give them the opportunity. Most people today assume that if you've got a farm you must be selling your produce to Libby's or Green Giant. But CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture) let's the members of your community know that you are all in this together.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Want to find out more about CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture), then visit Dan Locavore's site on how to choose the best Farmers close to you for your needs.

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