What is CSA and how does it work?
	CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA is a relationship of mutual support and commitment between local farmers and community members who pay the farmer an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm. In turn, members receive a weekly share of the harvest during the local growing season. The arrangement guarantees the farmer financial support and enables many small- to moderate-scale all-natural and/or bio-intensive family farms to remain in business. Ultimately, CSA programs create "agriculture-supported communities" where members receive a wide variety of foods harvested at their peak of freshness, ripeness, flavor, vitamin and mineral content. The goals of Community Supported Agriculture support a sustainable agriculture system which: Provides farmers with direct outlets for farm products and ensures fair compensation. Encourages proper land stewardship by supporting farmers in transition toward low or no chemical inputs and utilization of energy saving technologies. Strengthens local economies by keeping food dollars in local communities. Directly links producers with consumers allowing people to have a personal connection with their food and the land on which it was produced. Makes nutritious, affordable, wholesome foods accessible and widely available to community members. Creates an atmosphere for learning about non-conventional agricultural and alternative energy systems not only to the farmers but also to members of the community, and to students of all ages.
	KINDS OF CSA FARMS
	There are many kinds of CSA farms. All include payment in advance at an agreed upon price. In ours, members of the community purchase a 'share' of the anticipated harvest. This commitment implies a willingness to share with the farmer both the bounty from the land and at least some of the risks involved with production.     In return for fair and guaranteed compensation, consumers receive a variety of freshly picked, all naturally grown vegetables that are distributed in an economically viable and ecologically responsible manner. Fenner Farm also offers fruit, herbs, flowers and other products, such as eggs, honey, and baked goods.     One fact also to consider, all-natural food produced within local communities is not the same as all-natural food transported over long distances. When members obtain food from local farmers, environmental costs associated with the transport, processing and distribution of all-natural food and the consumption of fossil fuels are significantly reduced. Considering that the all-natural food available to members was produced locally rather than transported over long distances, the cost to the environment is significantly less.