UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Quiet Springs Farm/Pearson's Melon Farm FARM SHARE PROGRAM (a type of Community Supported Agriculture)

• What is a CSA program?
• Current status - remodeling

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are an increasingly popular way for consumers to: 1) ensure a steady supply of the freshest, highest quality, local produce and other food products; 2) establish a closer connection with the farms and farmers that grow their food; and 3) help sustain small scale, diversified, family farms in their own region.

The CSA subscriber prepays at the beginning of the season for a weekly supply of fresh produce, delivered to a convenient pick-up location. The subscriber makes a commitment to the farmer, paying for produce in advance, at a time when the farmer has many expenses, but no income. In return, the farmer tries to ensure that the subscriber receives more value per dollar than if they would purchase produce weekly at a farm stand.

We are currently working with a small group of subscribers to develop a different type of Farm Share Program that has more choice and flexibility than most CSA programs. We plan to implement these innovations and scale up the program next year.