Reducing Farmer's Risk-- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

A reference in today's paper about making contracts with CSA farms sent me looking for this from USDA : Community Supported Agriculture (CSA):

"In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or 'share-holders' of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests."

Note the last sentence--CSA is another way for farmers to move risk elsewhere. (See my previous post on other structures. CSA also fits into the general boomer pattern of increased diversification and choice, instead of just plain blue jeans, we've all sorts of shades in all sorts of fits to choose from. Instead of plain old coffee, we go to Starbucks and get bewildered by the choice.