Why Join A Community Supported Agriculture (Farm Share) Program?

The most important benefit is that you’ll receive top choice, locally-grown, fresh seasonal produce. Members of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program develop a deeper connection with local farmers. This relationship fosters a sense of community and investment in sustainable food practices, with opportunities to learn about farming methods. The shared commitment between growers and members helps strengthen local economies and encourages healthier eating habits.

What are the key benefits of belonging to a CSA:

You’ll Receive Fresher, More Nutritious Fruits & Vegetables
Produce is harvested at peak ripeness—often the same day you receive it.
This shorter time from field to table preserves nutrients and flavor.
CSAs include heirloom or specialty varieties you won’t find in stores.
Your Savings Over Retail Produce
CSA shares often cost less than buying equivalent organic produce at grocery store prices.
You’ll benefit from bumper crops—extra produce at no extra cost.
Your prepaid CSA membership ensures your costs will not increase during the annual membership season.
Your Investment Helps Local Farmers
Your upfront payment helps farmers buy seeds, equipment, and labor even before the harvest season starts.
Your membership reduces their financial risk and reliance on loans.
Ensures farmers receive fair market value by eliminating middlemen.
Environmental Benefits
Food grown by local farmers means fewer transportation miles and lower carbon emissions.
Many CSAs use organic or regenerative practices that improve soil health and biodiversity.
Shorter times between farm and table means reduced packaging and food waste due to direct distribution.
Stronger Community Connections
Members build personal relationships with the people who grow their food.
Many CSAs offer farm tours, so you can see where and how your produce is grown.These connections create a shared sense of investment in the food you consume and in local small farm businesses.
Culinary Inspiration & Variety
Weekly produce variety prompts you to cook more and try new foods.
Many CSAs include recipes, storage tips, and meal planning guidance.
Eating seasonal crops deepens your understanding of what‘s grown and when it’s available locally.

How do CSAs benefit the Northwest Tennessee Economy:

Investing in a local farmer’s CSA membership adds to the local economy.
Dollars spent at local farms for food, including CSAs, create ripple effects throughout rural NW Tennessee economies, supporting jobs and services tied to food production and distribution. Every dollar spent with locally-owned small businesses generates from $4 to $7 in the local economy. This generation is called an economic multiplier.

With CSA programs like the ones offered locally by the Dixie Chile Ranch or Blackberry Pond Farm, the multiplier effect is especially relevant.

Rural West Tennessee farms typically have higher-than-average multipliers because they rely heavily on local labor, local service providers, and local supply chains.

A $400 CSA membership can produce as much as $1,000–$2,000+ in total regional economic activity once the multiplier completes its circulation.

Why this multiplier is so strong in Northwest Tennessee:

Farmers buy local inputs (feed, seed, repairs, fuel, accounting, etc.).
Farm workers spend wages locally (other groceries, gas, childcare, housing).
Local farms often sell to local processors, markets, restaurants, and CSAs, keeping dollars circulating. Rural economies’ dollars tend to stay in the community longer, making investing in a local CSA program a win-win-win for you, the local farmer and multiple other businesses in the area.