Finances
One of the hallmarks of CSA is the role of advance member payments in capitalizing production.
Many CSAs do not require bank loans at all because advance payments are sufficient to cover
most or all production costs. Advance payments also provide an essential source of financing
since many CSAs are not eligible for bank loans due to the small size of their operations.
However, there are regional variations with respect to advance payments. CSAs in colder
climates such as Oregon and Washington, with a discrete growing season and specific start and
end dates are more likely to receive advance payments than those in more temperate regions such
as California, where production is year-round and members are more likely to pay monthly or
quarterly.