Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs)

Typically, here's how the CSA is works. Individuals in a community pledge support to a farm, so that the farm becomes a community farm, sharing risks and benefits of food production. Direct sales of shares to community members provides the farm with working capital in advance, so growers receive better prices for their crops and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing.

A person who subscribes to a membership, or share, receives a box of vegetables, eggs, or other farm products which is delivered weekly, or in some cases, is set up so the shareholders can pick their own crops.

In my neighborhood, for example, there is a great organic farm which distributes boxes of organic produce weekly for 2, 4, or more people, depending on which "membership" you choose.

Community supported agriculture is fair trade in the purest sense of the word. You are buying direct from the producer at the farmer's set price. You know exactly what you're getting and eliminating the "middle man" and don't have to worry about truth in advertising.

Community Supported Agriculture provides many benefits to the farmer, the consumer and the environment.

This is a way to generate cash flow year round, before harvest time and the long days in the field begin.

The farmers get to know their consumers and learn more about what they want.

The farmer gets a fair price direct from the consumers without having to sell to wholesalers and increase production without giving up quality.

FOR THE CONSUMER:

The consumer gets to buy ultra fresh (and often organic) food.

Gets to chose where their food comes from, not always knowing this when you purchase from large stores.

Get exposed to new types of produce and new ways of cooking (since they have access to seasonal, local, produce, often not what the consumer typically buys in the store).

Can usually visit the farm and be assured the quality standards are enforced.

Can take kids to see where their food is coming from and educate them. We find that children often like eating what they know comes from "their farm."

FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:

Supports locavores. (eating locally grown food)

Carbon footprint reduction due to no shipping and only local transportation of vegetables.

Paying the farmer directly encourages organic farming because the farmer's cost is a little higher for organic, but buying direct ensures the farmer gets more of the profit.

The idea of community supported agriculture is simple, the impact is profound. Some communities have more demand for CSAs than there are farms. This trend is growing partly because of our new demand for sustainable agriculture, our demand for organic and locally grown produce, and partly to support fair trade practices, not giving our money to the huge multi-nationals who mistreat laborers and use unsustainable growing practices.

We can support our local growers and provide our children with an education, eat healthier and reconnect with the land which so many people have forgotten how to do in the last 50 years.

Watch the video below to better understand America's eating habits and the need for CSAs to support humans and the Earth.

Here are a list of websites where you can find local CSAs in your area.

Local Harvets--http://www.localharvest.org/store/

Eat Well Guide--http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?pd=Home