 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a mutually beneficial relationship between a farm and a community of supporters. The community supports the farmer’s needs by financially covering a farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's harvest in early spring. In exchange, the farmer provides members with fresh, nutritious food harvested at the peak of ripeness, flavor and vitamin & mineral content throughout the growing season. The pre-season purchase of a “Share of the Harvest” permits the farmer to accurately calculate how much to grow, removing the uncertainty of not knowing if all the produce can be sold. Because of this member support from the community, the farmer is allowed the time in season to concentrate on conscientious and sustainable farming practices. CSA members make a commitment to support the farm throughout the season and assume along with the farmer the risks and bounty of growing food. Becoming a member creates a responsible relationship between people and the food they eat, the land on which it grows and those who grow it. The goal of CSA is to support a sustainable agriculture system which:
Teikei, a CSA forerunner, was first established in Japan in 1965 by a group of women. The term literally translates to “partnership” or “cooperation.” These women were concerned with increased use of pesticides, the increase in processed and imported foods and the corresponding decrease in farm population. The Teikei they initiated forged a direct, cooperative relationship between consumers and farmers to support the farmers on an annual basis and, in the process, preserve clean, productive farmland. In return, the consumers received naturally grown, nutritious fruits and vegetables.
CSA is a relatively recent phenomenon in the United States whose popularity has grown very rapidly. In 2008, there were more than 2,500 CSAs nationwide. Dedicated people voting with their forks can go a long way in supporting and creating a healthy food system.
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