Farmshare

Farmshare is a model of direct farm-to-consumer agriculture in which customers buy a share of a farm’s anticipated harvest before the growing season and receive regular distributions of produce. The arrangement, commonly known as a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, aims to align the incentives of farmers and eaters by sharing both the risks and rewards of farming.

Typically, members purchase a share for a fixed season and may choose a standard or large size. In exchange, they receive regular boxes or pickups of vegetables, fruits, and sometimes herbs, dairy, or eggs. The schedule is usually weekly or biweekly, and substitutions or add-ons are common in some programs. Farmshares may be offered by a single farm or by a coalition of farms pooling harvests to provide greater variety.

Economically, farmshares provide growers with upfront capital and a predictable market, reducing waste from surplus harvests and helping plan labor and inputs. They also build local food networks, support sustainable farming practices, and increase transparency about farming methods. Risks are shared with members: a poor season can affect availability and value, and substitution policies may limit what is received.

Governance structures vary: many programs are nonprofit or cooperative, others are for-profit; contracts or member agreements specify payment terms, refunds, cancellation, and quality standards. Critics note that geographic limitations, seasonal constraints, and price barriers can limit access, and that subscription models may offer less flexibility for busy or travel-heavy households.

Farmshare is part of broader local food movements and is related to community-supported agriculture and agricultural cooperatives.