Community supported agriculture
Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a big name for a simple idea. It’s where a community – large or small – makes a financial pledge to support a local farm. Together the farm and community share the ups and downs, risks and rewards of farming and growing – and help each other out.
By making a financial commitment to a CSA scheme, people become 'members'. They pay for a season up-front through weekly, monthly or even annual payments. In return they receive a share of the farm's produce.
The concept of CSA began in the 1960s in Germany, Switzerland and Japan as a response to concerns about the industrialisation of post-war agriculture. Groups of concerned consumers got together to help fund ecologically sound, socially responsible agricultural systems.
As that history and ethos suggests, CSAs help to directly connect local farmers with their communities, and to support the development of local food supplies and culture. There are lots of benefits to becoming involved, from knowing where your food comes from to helping to develop a secure market for local producers.
The Soil Association directly supports the development of CSA farms, and we can provide you with practical advice and contacts, whether you are a consumer wanting to set up your own CSA, or a farmer who would like to get involved.
For more information, see our CSA pages: