community supported agriculture in wisconcin

producers and consumers will built a firm relation with the basis of credit.

Community Supported Agriculture Bene ts Farms and

Farm Members

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 that entitles them to a “share” of the season’s harvest.

Once harvesting begins, members pick-up their farm share of

fresh foods which may include produce, fruits, cheeses, eggs,

meats, poultry, owers, herbs or preserves. Some farms offer every

other week, worker shares, or pick-your-own shares to reach a

variety of household needs. 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 but many farms offer early spring shares or winter shares.1

This economic arrangement bene ts farmers because they have

improved cash ow in the beginning of the year. It also guarantees

a market for their products. This arrangement bene ts members

because they receive fresh product, delivered conveniently to a

dropsite nearby. This arrangement bene ts the entire community

by keeping local farms and jobs viable and securing a healthy,

affordable and accessible food supply.2

While relatively new in name, CSA harks back to a time when

people knew where their food came from, ate in harmony with

their local seasons, and enjoyed a balanced and nutritional diet of

basic, natural foods. Community supported agriculture began in

the early 1960’s in Germany, Switzerland, and Japan as a response

to concerns about food safety and the urbanization of agricultural

land.3