Here’s how Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) works:
A farm offers a certain number of “shares” of its produce to consumers, who pay a flat rate at the beginning of a growing season. The members then receive a share of the farm’s food regularly (usually weekly) throughout the season; in this way, the members share the risks and benefits of growing food with the farm owners.
Urban farms are beginning to be able to grow enough food and on a regular-enough basis so that they can offer farm “shares.” In Baltimore, Boone Street Farm and Five Seeds Farm both offered CSA shares to members in 2012.
Farm Commons has made available three sample documents that might be helpful for urban farms running CSA programs:
These guides will lead you through setting up your member contract, providing suggestions for customization.
Important Note re: Member Risk: It’s important that the CSA agreement convey to the prospective member that s/he is taking on a portion of the farm’s risk. If the growing season doesn’t cooperate, the member may not receive as much produce as expected, and it’s important for the contract to make this clear.
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