What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

What is CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model of local agriculture that provides a direct link between farmers with consumers. It represents an alternative to the long-distance relationship most of us have with the food we eat, and serves to help develop a healthy regional food supply system and strong local economy. 

CSA Origins

The concept of the CSA has developed from many different influences. In Japan, the concept is known as “Teikei”, which means “putting the farmers’ face on food”. In 1965, a group of women concerned about increasing food imports, falling farm population, and the effects of the chemicals used in food production set up direct consumer links with local farms. These groups sought out local farmers and pledged to support them in order to receive the best and freshest portions of their harvests. They felt that this was the best way to ensure themselves a diet of the highest quality, unadulterated foods. Today in Japan producer-consumer groups following the CSA model supply food for more than 11 million people. The CSA concept spread to Europe and then to North America in the mid 1980’s. In the last two decades thousands of CSA farms have been created across North America and it is estimated that they are currently producing food to feed well over 100 000 families. 

Why CSA success?

Modern ways of industrial and chemical farming play a major role in the deterioration of our environment, local food economies and human health. As the farming crisis deepens, and concerns about the environmental, social, and economic costs of food production increase, many people are seeking wiser, more effective ways to re-establish the relationship of human beings with the earth. More and more people want to know how, where and by whom their food is produced. Food is a basic human need  (and right!) though most North Americans don’t have any idea where their food comes from. 

How does it work?

CSA members make a commitment to support local growers by purchasing a share of that season’s harvest and thereby sharing the costs, risks and bounty of growing food in a sustainable way (i.e., the farmer is supported whether he/she has a good season or bad season-the costs of farming are the same). Shares are paid in advance to provide capital when it is most needed. Some CSAs offer working shares to cover part or all of the cost of the share.

Why is CSA important?

It encourages agriculture that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable by:

• supporting local farmers and community
• developing a healthy, sustainable local food supply system
• keeping food dollars in the local economy
• creating a sense of social responsibility and encouraging land stewardship
• supporting people who really care about the land and the food we eat
• honouring the knowledge and experience of local growers and producers
• returning farming and food production to the community level
• improving community food security
• creating a responsible relationship of mutual support and commitment between people and the food they eat, the land on which it is grown and those who grow it.

 Direct Benefits…

to the farmer/grower:

• given an opportunity to make a viable income by growing food in a sustainable way, directly supported by the consumer (no “middleman”)
• financial support at the time it is most needed and which more fairly reflects the effort put into the production of food,
• having a stable, predetermined market to grow for thus reducing marketing costs,
• receives local/community support, and pleasure of knowing who food is going to
• risk of producing food is shared with the consumers,
• sense of social responsibility and stewardship of the land and environment
• if selling working shares, help with farm labour

 to the consumer:

• receive the freshest, wholesome foods with superior taste and nutrition (food is harvested at its peak of ripeness, flavour and vitamin and mineral content)
•  food grown without the use of chemicals,
• eating in harmony with the local seasons,
• exposure to a greater diversity of foods,
• satisfaction in knowing they are supporting local and sustainable food production supply systems,
• greater connection with the food they eat and those who grow it,
• produce at a better price than retail,
• education for shareholders and their families
• become aware of their relationship to the land, farming and the process that makes our lives possible

 to the environment:

• protection from harmful farming practices, including the use of chemicals (i.e. herbicides and pesticides)
• protection from the environmental costs associated with the transport, processing and distribution of food, as a result of reduced fossil fuel consumption
• elimination of food packaging waste
• support of biodiversity of local farms and the diversity of agriculture
• the land is preserved from development and nurtured into fertile, bountiful land
• conservation of valuable soil resources, watershed protection, and improved wildlife habitat

 to the local economy:

• keeps local food dollars in the local community
• helps to strengthen local economies, creates jobs

to the community:

• benefits from the maintenance of an important agricultural component that is rapidly being consumed by development and industry
• is strengthened by the bringing together of people who share healthy concerns about our future
• gets an economic boost when food dollars remain within the community rather than supporting non-local corporations
• contributes to community quality of life and rural community vitality 

For information on joining a local CSA, please contact Lee-Ann Chevrette at kenogamissi@yahoo.com or by phone at 254-2821.