CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. 

In this case, the OHSU community has the opportunity to become members of Minto Island Growers' farm this year. 

As a member, you purchase a "share" of the farm at the beginning of the season. It is an investment that will pay off in health, joy and great food adventures in the kitchen. Practically speaking, you receive a box every week from June through October of freshly picked, straight from their farm, Organic produce. 

Farming is a tough business.. and there are risks, as mother nature doesn't always cooperate. Many farmers who grow 1 large crop can be struck by disaster if their crop fails. They often use heavy chemical inputs that kill important microorganisms that help nourish the soil and ultimately cause soil erosion.  Also, conventional farmers prices are dictated by what the market can bear, making business unpredictable. 

CSA's grow a diverse range of crops and work with organic inputs that nourish and build topsoil. Their farms can be less subject to the risks of widespread disease.. and their soil less likely to erode because of the network of organisms that hold it in place. Economically, their business model ensures they will not lose the farm if disaster strikes, as members pay for all their boxes at the beginning. This gives the farmer the money for seeds, organic fertilizers and labor to get the growing season started. Yes, this means that members take part in the risk, as most investments have some element of risk. However, the payoff is multifold: