by Ramie Parsons
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
LAW CENTER WEBINAR — Emily Stone, a staff attorney at the National Agricultural Law Center, will present a webinar providing an overview on Community Supported Agriculture concerns on Feb. 18. (Courtesy photo)
- Webinar explores community supported ag business model for producers, consumers
- Program will address CSA formation, contracts, liability, labor and federal programs
- Free registration available online
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The National Agricultural Law Center will host an upcoming webinar, “Community Supported Agriculture: A Field Guide for Producers and Consumers,” on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, from noon-1 p.m. EST/11 a.m. to noon CST.
As interest in local food systems continues to grow, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a business model that allows consumers to financially support farms by purchasing a membership in advance of the growing season in exchange for a share of the farm’s harvest. While CSAs can strengthen producer–consumer relationships and provide farms with early-season capital, they also raise a number of legal and operational considerations.
This webinar will provide an overview of the legal issues commonly associated with operating or participating in a CSA. Topics will include CSA formation, contracting with members, limiting liability, labor considerations, add-on products, and participation in federal programs. The program is designed for agricultural producers considering CSA as a business model, as well as consumers interested in understanding the legal structure behind CSAs.
The program will be presented by Emily Stone, staff attorney at the National Agricultural Law Center. Stone will walk participants through the legal framework surrounding CSAs and discuss practical strategies for addressing common challenges that arise in these arrangements.
“CSAs offer meaningful opportunities for producers and consumers to share in the rewards and risks of agricultural production, but those arrangements should be grounded in a clear understanding of the legal issues involved,” Stone said. “This webinar is intended to help participants better understand how CSAs operate and how to manage potential legal concerns.”
“Local food systems continue to play an important role in agricultural markets, and CSAs are a key part of that landscape,” said Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center. “This webinar reflects the center’s ongoing commitment to providing producers and consumers with practical, legally grounded information to support informed decision-making.”
To read the full news release, click here.