Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a relationship of mutual commitment and support between a farm and a community of supporters who purchase a share of an organic farm's harvest at the beginning of the season, then receive a weekly basket of fresh organic fruits and vegetables at an affordable price.
Community Supported Agriculture took shape first in Europe in the 1980s and then the concept expanded to North America. Today, more than 1,000 CSA projects exist all over the world.

CSA: a mutual benefit for farmers and consumers

1. CSA's direct marketing gives farmers and growers the fairest return on their products.
   
2. CSA keeps food money in the local community and contributes to the maintenance and establishment of regional food production.
   
3. CSA encourages communication and cooperation among farmers.
   
4. With a "guaranteed market" for their produce, farmers can invest their time in doing the best job they can rather than looking for buyers.
   
5. CSA promotes a locally based, sustainable agricultural system that preserves the environment
   
6. CSA develops ties between local farmers and consumers and creates opportunity for dialogue between them
   
7. CSA creates a sense of social responsibility and stewardship of local land and encourages the consumers to share the risks of crop production with the farmers.
   
8. CSA increases understanding of how, where, and by whom our food is grown.
   
9. CSA provides high-quality organic produce to consumers.