What is a CSA?

What does it stand for?

CSA stands for community supported agriculture. It is a way to support a local farmer by helping the farmer with the costs at the beginning of the agricultural season (like purchasing seeds) without the need for high-cost loans. It also gives the farmer a secure source of income in case of a bad year. A CSA member becomes a shareholder in the risk and benefits of farming. CSA helps ensure the viability of local agricultural production. Local agriculture is better for the environment, the regional economy, and provides you with fresher, more nutritious produce!

what is its history?

CSAs are a new and quickly growing business model for farmers and consumers. It is like a community-based buying club. CSAs started in Japan in the 1960’s where they are called tekei, roughly meaning “food with the farmer’s face on it.” The model was brought to the US by a farmer studying “food guilds” in Switzerland in the 1980’s. According to localharvest.org, there are now about 3,000 CSAs in the US. Just Food, a New York City non-profit, estimates there are just over 100 CSAs in NYC alone.

Why csa?

By supporting this farmer, you will get the freshest, most nutritious vegetables you can get without growing them yourself. The vegetables are usually picked the day before a distribution; sometimes even the day of! You will receive vegetables that are in season and at the peak of their flavor. You will also start a relationship with the person growing your food, which means that the farmer and the consumer connect on more than just a business transaction level.