Farms with membership programs like ours exist all over the world. They are called CSAs -- you've probably heard of them. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. The concept began in Japan in the 1970's, with mothers who were seeking clean, safe, healthy food for their families. They approached their local farmer and asked them to grow for them and in return they would help the farmer pay for their up-front costs (such as seeds, potting mix and fertilizers). There are now over 7,000 CSA farms in the US, with all different styles, options, and distribution methods. But the essence remains the same, members pay in advance for a share of the upcoming harvest and in return we provide high-quality, local produce and the farmers are guaranteed a consistent and secure market.