What is a CSA?
This is a good question, especially considering there are a variety of definitions depending on who you ask. CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture" which is a way for the community to buy locally produced food directly from the farmer. In most CSA's, it's also a way for the community to be more involved in how their food is produced. A good general description of CSA's can be found on the local harvest website (www.localharvest.com/csa).
In most CSA's, you become a member by purchasing "shares" of the harvest, typically for the whole season. Members are guaranteed a portion of the farms harvest for that season, and the farmer is guaranteed sales of his/her production that season. Members typically pay for their shares up front, which provides money for the farmer to buy seed and supplies to produce the crop. Members are usually supplied with information about the production of the upcoming harvest throughout the season. Members are typically allowed farm visits, either informally or through field-days where the entrie membership is invited. In most CSA's, members assume a portion of the risks that a farmer usually experiences, meaning that if the farm production is down, the members shares will be reduced accordingly. Additionaly, CSA's requre members to pickup their shares at drop sites.
Our CSA
At Milican Farms CSA, we don't ask members to assume the risks, meaning that if you purchase 12 weeks of delivery, you will recieve 12 weeks. If production is down for any reason, your membership will be extended until you recieve the full 12 weeks of delivery. We feel that by having a guaranteed market, we can focus on producing the crops and not have to spend time finding a market. Millican Farms also delivers within the Bryan/College Station area, which we believe will help reduce the carbon footprint of your food by taking it straight from the farm to your door. Members will be notified regulary on the status of the crops and allowed to provide feedback at every step along the way. Millican Farms CSA is evolving, and member participation will ensure that Millican Farms CSA is the best CSA in the Brazos Valley.
