CSAs support local farms and keep you stocked with fresh food all season long!
What is a CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a system where small farms sell shares of their harvest in advance to consumers in the local community. CSA members each pay an agreed amount before the growing season. The farmer then invests these funds into the farm’s production for seeds, fertilizer, and other crop inputs. It provides farmers income during the off-season and enables more informed crop planning. Farmers who offer a CSA spend less time marketing, allowing more time for soil amendments and other regenerative practices. The reduction in marketing expenses reduces overall business costs.
During harvest seasons, each CSA member receives a share of the crop, freshly picked from the farm. Some farms offer delivery services. There is usually a variety of produce weekly throughout the productive seasons. The cost, variety of produce, quantity, and length of harvest vary from farm to farm. Some specialty farms also grow flowers and herbs or offer eggs, meat, and dairy products that may also be available.
Several small farms in northwest Arkansas offer CSA options. Some are in a listing of regional farms available from the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food. You can also learn about NWA Farm-Link member farm seekers or farmland owners, who want to establish or offer CSA’s by visiting their profiles.
