2024 CSA
What is a CSA?
CSA programs are a selling plan that connects farmers and local consumers directly. Instead of farmers selling their product to companies or stores, customers within the farm's community pay in advance to receive a share of the coming harvest's crop. Then, customers regularly pick up a box of produce (often each week) during the harvest season
When and why did C.S.A programs begin?
The idea for CSA programs in the US began in the 1960s from Booker T. Wheatley , a horticulturist and agriculture professor at Tuskegee University, Myers says. During the same time, the CSA movement was rising around the world like Japan and Switzerland.
To generate a more secured income for struggling Black farmers, Whatley shared his idea for clientele membership clubs. These clubs were set to not only guarantee customers for farmers, but also help the farmers plan for the season. Today, these goals are the main reason farms across the country start CSA programs.