CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a practice that started in the 1960s and 1970s in Japan. It was during this time the idea of “teikei” (“partnership” or “putting the farmer’s face on food”) emerged as a response to food safety concerns. The movement started in the United States in the 1980s and is now widely practiced worldwide.
So what is it? A CSA is a direct partnership between farmers and consumers, where members invest in a local farm by purchasing a ‘share’ of the season’s harvest upfront. In return, they receive regular deliveries or pickups of fresh, seasonal produce, and sometimes other farm goods like eggs, dairy, or meat. In Maryland, our farms offer a variety of products and you can find subscriptions from produce to meat to fresh cut flowers! It’s also important to note that CSAs offer a variety of options including various box sizes, different ways to pay (up-front or weekly), and have varying lengths of commitment (ex. 12 weeks, year-round, monthly, etc).
Why join a CSA?
- Members enjoy ultra-fresh, seasonal produce often harvested just before delivery.
- Support your community farmer – many farms rely on these subscriptions as part of their business plan!
- Eat more in-season foods.
- Many CSAs offer opportunities for members to visit the farm, attend events, or volunteer, fostering a sense of connection to the land and the food they eat.
- Supporting CSAs often means promoting sustainable farming practices, reducing food miles, and minimizing packaging.
Examples of What’s Included in a CSA:
Moon Valley Farm offers a small, medium, and large share option that can be delivered (for a fee) or picked-up at various locations. Option for weekly or biweekly shares either during peak season or year-round.
Liberty Delight Farms offers 15lbs of meat a month and includes poultry, pork, and beef for $170/month. There is also a 3-month share option. See the January 2026 share example:
Beef
- Rib Eye (Two 1lb.)
- Chuck Roast
Pork
- Bone-In Chops
- Tenderloin
- No Nitrate Bacon
- Sausage
Chicken
- Whole Chicken
- Chicken Sausage
Gorman Farms offers a summer and early winter CSA in a full or medium share. Distributions are weekly Wednesdays-Fridays. Examples of what’s in a mid summer share.
Full Share | Medium Share |
| 1 Head of Lettuce | 1 Head of Lettuce |
| 1 Bunch of Swiss Chard or Kale | 2 lbs. of Cucumbers |
| 1 Bunch of Beets | 1 Eggplant |
| 3 lbs. of Cucumbers | 4 Ears of Sweet Corn |
| 2 Eggplants | 1 Bunch of Italian Basil |
| 6 Ears of Sweet Corn | 1 Pint of Cherry Tomatoes |
| 1 Bunch of Italian Basil | 2 lbs. of Slicing Tomatoes |
| 2 Pints of Cherry Tomatoes | 2 Bell Peppers |
| 3 lbs. of Slicing Tomatoes | 1 Cantaloupe |
| 1 Large Heirloom Tomato | 2 Onions |
| 3 Bell Peppers | |
| 1 Cantaloupe | |
| 3 Onions |
Every CSA is unique and offers an array of options helping you commit to eating more local food. Check out the list below to find a CSA in your county. You can also read more about practical tips before signing up for a CSA here: Local Harvest – Tips for Potential CSA Members
Don’t see your favorite CSA farm listed? Contact [email protected] for information on how they can be listed in the guide.
To find a CSA near you, check out our list by county below OR use the search function at the top.
List of CSA farms on Maryland’s Best by County:
Allegany
Somerset
