CSA
Community Supported Agriculture
What is the CSA?
The CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture, is an organization where local farmers sell "subscriptions" to people (Payet 2012). Every week, during the farming season, the subscriber receives fresh, locally grown produce, along with other farming products such as bread, eggs, and cheese (Payet 2012). The creation of this organization has benefited many farmers as well as many subscribers.
When did it start?
The CSA started in 1986 with two programs: one in Massachusetts and one in New Hampshire (McFadden 2012). Now, the CSA has grown to about 6,000 programs! (McFadden 2012) The CSA is a growing movement and will continue to grow based on the positive effects it has on the community.
Food Network: Community Supported Agriculture
What are the benefits for the farmers?
There are many benefits for the farmers. First off, they get to earn an early profit and start selling the crops before they start working 16 hours a day (Payet 2012). Secondly, they get to know the people that are buying their crops and make friends! (Payet 2012) There are benefits for farmers that would not exist if it weren't for the CSA.
What are the benefits for the buyers?
The buyers have a large number of benefits form the CSA. The first one is they get fresh, local food! (Watson 2013) There is nothing better than vegetables and fruits that are fresh and locally grown. Secondly, they get to learn new ways to cook the food they receive (Watson 2013). The third one is they get to know their local farmer, who is providing them with the food (Watson 2013). The last benefit is they save money! (Watson 2013) Everything is better when its cheap! These benefits persuade people to buy a share from the local CSA.
Benefits!
Fresh, Locally Grown Food!
The buyers get crops! The CSA ensures that the crops you get are locally grown and the freshest ones availible
Savings!
People who use the CSA generally save money compared to the same amount and the same things in the grocery store!
New Ways of Cooking!
When you are a part of the CSA, you learn new ways to cook the crops you receive!
What are the risks?
Although there are many benefits, there are also a few risks. The most major risk is the concept of shared risk. If there are not as many crops grown to due to drought or something to that effect, you receive less crops for the same amount of subscription money (Payet 2012). The farmers and the subscribers are "all in it together."
CSA: Good or bad?
Overall, CSA is a helpful organization for the buyers and the farmer. The farmer gets early money and early business, so they don't go broke and can't produce crops. The buyers get fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products every week! The CSA is a positive organization for evryone who joins.
Reference List
McFadden, Steven. 2012. Unraveling the CSA Number Conundrum. Retrieved from http://thecalloftheland.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/the-whirling-rainbow-year-of-2012/ on September 11, 2013.
Payet, Guillermo. 2013. Community Supported Agriculture. Retrieved from http://www.localharvest.org/csa/ on September 12, 2013.
Watson, Molly. 2013. Benefits of Community Supported Agriculture. Retrieved from http://localfoods.about.com/od/csa1/tp/Benefits-Of-Community-Supported-Agriculture.htm on September 11, 2013.
2007. Food Network: Community Supported Agriculture. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUBf_a3EtQU on September 12, 2013.