About Community Supported Agriculture

CSA is a unique social and economic arrangement between local households and farmers who work together to share the responsibility of producing and delivering fresh food. Households support the farm by paying an annual fee in the winter or spring that entitles them to a "share" of the season's harvest. Once harvesting begins, members pick-up a weekly box of fresh foods which may include produce, fruits, cheeses, eggs, meats, poultry, flowers, herbs or preserves. Pick-up sites are often located at a member's house or at the farm. Most farms create a newsletter that accompanies each delivery with notes about farm activities, descriptions of what’s in the delivery, cooking tips and recipes. Many farms also create opportunities for their members and families to visit the farm and participate in farm events. The typical CSA season in Wisconsin runs from the end of May through mid-October. Farms offer a diversity of share options including extended season shares, multiple share types and sizes, and special funds and payment plans to accommodate households on a tight budget. CSA farmers use sustainable and organic methods to produce high quality to reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment.

The goals of CSA support a sustainable agriculture system which provides farmers with direct outlets for farm products and ensures fair compensation.

Encourages proper land stewardship by supporting farmers in transition toward low or no chemical inputs and utilization of energy saving technologies.

Strengthens local economies by keeping food dollars in local communities.

Directly links producers with consumers allowing people to have a personal connection with their food and the land on which it was produced.

Makes nutritious, affordable, wholesome foods accessible and widely available to community members.

Creates an atmosphere for learning about non-conventional agriculture, animal husbandry, and alternative energy systems not only to the farmers and their apprentices, but also to members of the community to educators from interdisciplinary study, and to students of all ages.