CSA stands for community supported agriculture. You pay a farm at the start of the season. In return, you get a share of what the farm grows, week by week, through the growing season. Most shares come as a box of vegetables. Some farms add eggs, fruit, flowers, or meat.
Why farms sell shares
Seeds, soil, and labor cost money in spring. The harvest comes months later. A CSA moves your payment to the start, when the farm needs it. In exchange, members get first claim on the harvest, and often a better price than buying week to week.
What you get
A share is not a grocery order. You get what grew well that week. Early boxes lean toward greens. Late boxes carry squash, roots, and storage crops. Some farms let you swap items or skip weeks. Others pack one box for everyone. Ask before you sign up.
Questions to ask a CSA farm
- How many weeks does the season run?
- What does a typical box hold in June? In September?
- Do I pick up at the farm, at a market, or is there delivery?
- Can I put my share on hold if I travel?
- What happens in a bad crop year?
That last one matters. In a CSA, members share some of the farm’s risk. A hailstorm hits the members too. Good farms are open about this.
Is a CSA right for you?
A CSA fits people who cook at home and like variety. It does not fit people who want the same five items every week. If that is you, a farm stand or farmers market booth gives you the same food with full choice.
Ready to look? Browse farms near you and check their buying options for a CSA program.
Find a farm near you
Put the guide to work. Browse the directory or start with your location.