Community Supported Agriculture

Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. This arrangement creates several rewards for both the farmer and the consumer. In brief... Advantages for farmers: Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow Advantages for consumers: Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never been known to eat Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown   Garden of Eden Organics is just one San Diego CSA farm that drops off at UCSD.   Pick up at the Great Hall, International House on Thursdays, 11:30am to 1pm There are many more farms that drop off in La Jolla.  Visit www.localharvest.org for more details on CSA and other local farms.