Consumers worldwide are rediscovering the benefits of buying locally grown food. It is fresher than anything in the supermarket and that means it is tastier and more nutritious.
Family farmers sell their products directly to consumers through various avenues.
CSA is a unique model of local agriculture whose roots reach back 30 years to Japan where a group of women concerned about the increase in food imports and the corresponding decrease in the farming population initiated a direct growing and purchasing relationship between their group and local farms. As of January 1999, there are over 1000 CSA farms across the US and Canada. CSA is a partnership of mutual commitment between a farm and a community of supporters which provides a direct link between the production and consumption of food. Supporters cover a farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's harvest. CSA members make a commitment to support the farm throughout the season, and assume the costs, risks and bounty of growing food along with the farmer or grower.