At your local farmers market this summer, ask your farmers if they have in place, an option for buying a share of their farm. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms operate as a partnership between farmers and members of the community who buy a share in a farm’s harvest each growing season. Each share that is purchased contributes a fee, typically between $300-500, to cover the farm’s yearly operating costs, and, in turn, purchases a share of the yearly harvest. Typically, the result of each share is a weekly supply of organic produce at the peak of its growing season, between June and October. In addition to vegetables, some CSAs can include flowers, fruits, eggs, meat and milk, in its weekly allotments.
This innovative model of sustainable agriculture has steadily gained popularity over the last twenty years, but in particular, in the past few years. In 1985, this practice was first brought to the U.S. from Europe, where it was originally inspired by the biodynamic farming methods of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (who also started Waldorf Education). The first two CSA farms in the U.S. formed independently in 1986, as the Indian Line Farm in Massachusetts, and the Temple-Wilton Community Farm in New Hampshire. In 1990, there were already 50 CSA farms in North America. Today’s estimations vary, with reports of at least 2,000 CSA farms, and perhaps as many as 3,000.
A CSA is usually run as a small, independent family farm. After community members sign up to purchase shares, a yearly budget is drawn up to determine what the production costs will be for that year. The budget is then divided by the number of members who have signed up, which, in turn, determines what the cost of each share will be. Members either buy their shares up front, or arrange to pay in installments throughout the season. Many CSAs also offer a work option for families who cannot afford to buy a full share, where as they can help plant and harvest to work for a portion of their share. The close proximity of the farm to its members strengthens local economy by keeping local food dollars circulating within the community, allows for consumption of fresh and healthy foods, as well as educates members on the natural cycles of food and plants. In a CSA, farmers can concentrate on producing the highest quality produce because they do not have to worry about finding potential buyers for their product. As a result, the weekly crop is delegated solely for the shareholders.
To find your local farmers market, check out www.farmersmarket.com.
–Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.
This innovative model of sustainable agriculture has steadily gained popularity over the last twenty years, but in particular, in the past few years. In 1985, this practice was first brought to the U.S. from Europe, where it was originally inspired by the biodynamic farming methods of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (who also started Waldorf Education). The first two CSA farms in the U.S. formed independently in 1986, as the Indian Line Farm in Massachusetts, and the Temple-Wilton Community Farm in New Hampshire. In 1990, there were already 50 CSA farms in North America. Today’s estimations vary, with reports of at least 2,000 CSA farms, and perhaps as many as 3,000.
A CSA is usually run as a small, independent family farm. After community members sign up to purchase shares, a yearly budget is drawn up to determine what the production costs will be for that year. The budget is then divided by the number of members who have signed up, which, in turn, determines what the cost of each share will be. Members either buy their shares up front, or arrange to pay in installments throughout the season. Many CSAs also offer a work option for families who cannot afford to buy a full share, where as they can help plant and harvest to work for a portion of their share. The close proximity of the farm to its members strengthens local economy by keeping local food dollars circulating within the community, allows for consumption of fresh and healthy foods, as well as educates members on the natural cycles of food and plants. In a CSA, farmers can concentrate on producing the highest quality produce because they do not have to worry about finding potential buyers for their product. As a result, the weekly crop is delegated solely for the shareholders.
To find your local farmers market, check out www.farmersmarket.com.
–Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.