What is it, and how does it work?
Posted by Susan Ponsolle on 06-01-07
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a unique model of local agriculture whose roots reach back 30 years to Japan where a group of women concerned about the increase in food imports and the corresponding decrease in the farming population initiated a direct growing and purchasing relationship between their group and local farms. This is called "teikei" in Japanese, and translates to "putting the farmers' face on food." As of 2005, there were over 1500 CSA farms across the US and Canada.
Through their membership cost, members help pay for seeds, fertilizer, water, equipment maintenance, labor, etc. In return, the provides a healthy supply of seasonal fresh produce throughout the growing season. Becoming a member creates a responsible relationship between people and the food they eat, the land on which it is grown and those who grow it.
If you'd like a more indepth description of CSAs, please visit the LocalHarvest website.
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