How CSAs Help Farmers
1. Provides working capital when it is needed the most
Most of a farm’s yearly expenses (seeds, soil amendments, etc.) occur in the early spring, right before the growing season begins. In a traditional model, there is little to no farm income until the crops are sold weeks or even months after planting. Receiving some of the farm’s income in advance provides the flexibility to keep things running smoothly.
2. Allows the farmer to focus on farming
Having a secure customer base allows the farmer to spend more time in the field instead of setting up and tearing down booths at farmers markets, or driving goods to market. This translates to better quality produce for the consumer.
3. Spreads the risks associated with farming
From the freak hailstorm that wipes out the spinach crop to the groundhog that breeches the fence and devours the recent planting of beans, farming is often at the whim of mother nature. The CSA approach allows the farmer to offset these unforeseen losses by substituting crops that are more plentiful in that week’s delivery.
4. Allows the farmer to get a fair price for his goods
By the time all of the middlemen in a traditional distribution system take their cuts, very little is left over for the farmer who spent his time and effort growing the produce. The direct marketing approach of the CSA model allows the small farm to stay small and remain profitable at the same time.
5. Simplifies planning
Farming requires a highly detailed plan and coordinated effort, especially on a small farm where growing space is at a premium. Seeds must be started weeks in advance and timed so that one crop can be ready for planting just as another is coming out of the ground. By being able to set target amounts for harvest, the farmer can avoid wasting time, space and resources growing crops that are not needed.
6. Gets to partner in building the local community
In the traditional agricultural model, the farmer rarely gets to meet the people who enjoy the fruits of his labor. In the CSA model, the farmer gets to know their customers by name and builds a relationship with them, helping to foster a strong sense of community.
Most of a farm’s yearly expenses (seeds, soil amendments, etc.) occur in the early spring, right before the growing season begins. In a traditional model, there is little to no farm income until the crops are sold weeks or even months after planting. Receiving some of the farm’s income in advance provides the flexibility to keep things running smoothly.
2. Allows the farmer to focus on farming
Having a secure customer base allows the farmer to spend more time in the field instead of setting up and tearing down booths at farmers markets, or driving goods to market. This translates to better quality produce for the consumer.
3. Spreads the risks associated with farming
From the freak hailstorm that wipes out the spinach crop to the groundhog that breeches the fence and devours the recent planting of beans, farming is often at the whim of mother nature. The CSA approach allows the farmer to offset these unforeseen losses by substituting crops that are more plentiful in that week’s delivery.
4. Allows the farmer to get a fair price for his goods
By the time all of the middlemen in a traditional distribution system take their cuts, very little is left over for the farmer who spent his time and effort growing the produce. The direct marketing approach of the CSA model allows the small farm to stay small and remain profitable at the same time.
5. Simplifies planning
Farming requires a highly detailed plan and coordinated effort, especially on a small farm where growing space is at a premium. Seeds must be started weeks in advance and timed so that one crop can be ready for planting just as another is coming out of the ground. By being able to set target amounts for harvest, the farmer can avoid wasting time, space and resources growing crops that are not needed.
6. Gets to partner in building the local community
In the traditional agricultural model, the farmer rarely gets to meet the people who enjoy the fruits of his labor. In the CSA model, the farmer gets to know their customers by name and builds a relationship with them, helping to foster a strong sense of community.
