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How To Start a CSA
If there's no CSA near you, consider starting one. Many CSAs are run by a "core group" of volunteers who take care of recruiting members, collecting money, providing recipe sheets, and organizing distribution. If you and a few of your neighbors are interested enough to form a core group, the next step is finding a farmer. Talk to local farmers (ask your local agricultural extension service to suggest some that might be interested) and discuss their growing practices. Even if the farm is not certified organic, you might find that the farmer adheres to organic standards.
The most important part: everyone should be frank and clear about expectations and capabilities. Discuss how many members, what will be grown, how it will be distributed. Everyone must remember that there are factors beyond the control of core group and farmer: weather, pests and diseases, or labor problems can affect crops; and sometimes it's impossible for core groups to round up all the members they need. Flexibility is crucial.
Once you find a farmer you can work with, you'll need to set a price and choose a distribution site. Usually, the farmer brings the vegetables to a central location (which can be a religious institution, school, community center, etc. -- or just someone's garage) and members come once a week to pick up their shares. For more information on all the ins and outs: http://www.csacenter.org/tech/farms/index.htm
What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Community Supported Agriculture: There are well over a thousand Community Supported Agriculture programs across the country, and the numbers are growing. A CSA is a farmer-and-consumer co-operative. Members buy "shares" in the farm's harvest; they pay the farmer a fixed sum before the season starts, then pick up fresh vegetables on an agreed schedule. For the farmer, CSA provide a guaranteed market for their crops; they can concentrate on growing the best way possible instead worrying about selling their produce. However, farmers must be willing to provide a wide variety of crops instead of concentrating on just a few that are best for them. For consumers, CSAs are a route to the freshest food, often at lower cost and a way to form a connection to a farm, something that is often difficult in urban settings. But consumers must be willing to be flexible and accept the vagaries of weather and growing conditions; they agree to accept whatever the farm is growing. CSAs are a great way for consumers and farmers to get to know each other; many of them feature potluck dinners, farm visits, work visits, and other activities and become much more than a way to shop for food.
Every CSA has its own way of working. Some are initiated by the farmers who take on the burden of recruiting members and delivering their produce, sometimes right to the door of each member. In other cases, members get together and find a farm and are involved in recruiting and distribution.
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