Why do subscription farms and meat producers require a deposit and regular payments?
The sad fact about the American agricultural economy is that banks and government programs which offer production loans to farmers generally fund only conventional agriculture. Working capital for organic growers is thus in short supply. Pigs and chickens don’t gain weight by breathing air, they need feed. By putting down a deposit and making payments along the way, the customer helps provide working capital. All deposits and weekly payments, of course, apply towards the final purchase price (with animals), or the total subscription cost (with organic vegetables). Paying some of the price in advance is also a demonstration of solidarity, which is one of the most important social virtues. It also connects you in a very tangible way with the work of planting, nurturing and harvesting. If you have paid for a share of a vegetable crop, you pay closer attention to the weather. You have a vested interest in good growing weather.
