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.
Community Supported Agriculture is a way for consumers to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some farmers will accept weekly or monthly payments. Some CSAs also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season. A CSA season typically runs from late spring through early fall. The number of CSAs in the United States was estimated at 50 in 1990, and has since grown to over 1000.