Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership of mutual commitment between a local farm and a community of supporters. CSA provides a direct connection between the production and consumption of food by providing fresh weekly produce to CSA members during the growing season.
History of Community Supported Agriculture
CSA’s roots are found in Japan, reaching back to the early 1980’s. A group of Japanese women were concerned about the increase in imported food to Japan and the negative impact it was having on local farmers. To reverse this trend in their community, the women established an ongoing cooperative agreement with local farmers, and the concept for CSA was born.
This practice, called "teikei" in Japanese, translates to "putting the farmers' face on food." Before long, teikei spread to Europe and the US. In 1985, it was given the name “Community Supported Agriculture” at Indian Line Farm in Massachusetts. Today, there are more than 2200 CSA farms across the US.
How Does CSA Work?
- Generally, a few CSA members serve as administrators and as the point of contact with a local CSA Farm. The administrators are responsible for getting information to the network, often through a weekly newsletter. CSA administrators may choose to hold informal events as a way to publicize information about CSA and its benefits.
- Each year, each local CSA Farm develops a budget for the growing season (usually from early May until the end of October). The budget includes all seeds and plants, equipment, staff salaries, land payments, etc.
- Local CSA members recruit a local network or “core group” members for the season. Sign-up occurs during late winter or early spring.
- Based on the number of CSA members, the farmer determines the “share” cost, which is usually designed to provide enough vegetables for a family of four for one week. CSA community members purchase their shares in advance—either in one lump sum or in installments—prior to the start of the growing season. Some members may choose to purchase “working shares” in exchange for providing 3-4 hours of farm labor each week.
- Once the farmer knows how many shares have been purchased, planting begins. Because shares are purchased in advance, farmers begin receiving an income immediately after work begins for the season.
- Typically, CSA produce is organic. Crops are rotated, offering a large variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. The amount of produce provided to each family can be determined by weight or by type (for example, families may receive an average of 8 bunches of vegetables, herbs or fruit each week).
- CSA administrators travel to the farm directly and pick up the week’s supply of produce for CSA members. This practice cuts down on gas costs for the remainder of the group.
- A pick-up location is designated by CSA administrators, along with a regularly scheduled day and time for pick-up. The location can be a local school, back yard, or storefront (in places where this has been prearranged). Some CSA Networks arrange delivery for elderly or physically disabled members.
- Often, CSA administrators hold potluck dinners or demonstrations during pick-up time to encourage community and sharing of the harvest. Some CSA Networks may promote recipe-sharing through emailed newsletters to encourage creative uses of the varied produce.
How to Get Involved in CSA
With more than 2200 farms across the United States, it’s becoming easy to find a CSA Network in your neighborhood. Visit Local Harvest’s website to find a farm near you, and happy eating!
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