Community Supported Agriculture is growing rapidly nationally and in California

At 47^th Avenue Farm in Portland, Ore., an urban farmer produces long-term sustainable crops that are fresh, environmentally friendly, and profitable — a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) business that offers local members a stake in the harvest crops.

CSAs eliminate the middleman, forging direct connections between farmers and consumers. Californians support hundreds of CSAs, and there are more than 3,500 nationally.

Membership in CSAs is growing rapidly in California’s Central Valley and surrounding foothills, and most such agricultural operations report annual profits, according to a new study published in the January-March 2012 issue of California Agriculture. In a comprehensive survey, UC researchers asked CSA farmers about their growing practices, farm economics, demographics, motivations and other factors.

Grain CSA thrives in Northern California

This video from KVIE-TV features Jennifer Greene, a grain farmer in Northern California specializing in heirloom and old varieties of wheat. Her unique CSA farm offers subscribers monthly bags of whole grains, hot cereals, beans and flour. Greene is also passionate about educating children and encouraging women to become farmers.

UC Food Blogs

Community supported agriculture prospering in Central Valley

Prospera en el Valle Central agricultura apoyada por la comunidad

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