Final answer:
Participating in a CSA exposes consumers to risks such as lower-than-expected crop yields, limited variety, upfront costs with potential loss if the CSA under-delivers, and a commitment of time for pickup and community engagement. Despite these risks, it supports local agriculture and fosters a connection to food sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consumers who participate in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program take on several risks. Since CSA involves paying farmers in advance for a season of produce, consumers risk not receiving the full expected value if crop yields are lower due to weather or other issues. There is also the inherent risk of reduced variety; consumers are limited to the types and quantities of produce that the farm is able to grow successfully in a season.
CSAs operate on shared risk, meaning if a crop does poorly, consumers will receive less produce. The cost of such a system is the upfront payment, which can be significant, and if the CSA fails to deliver, consumers may find it difficult to recuperate their investment.
CSA members also commit time in either picking up their share of the produce or engaging in the community aspect of the CSA, such as farm visits or volunteer work, which could be seen as a cost in time. On the positive side, participating in a CSA supports local agriculture and can foster a closer connection to the source of one's food.