What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a marketing and production model that lets consumers purchase shares of a farm’s harvest in advance.

The CSA concept was first introduced in Japan in the 1960s by a group of women worried about using pesticides, rising imported and processed food, and the demise of farmland and farmers. In the early 1970s, consumers and farmers in a variety of European countries, concerned by the increasing industrialization of their food supply and the increasing use of processed food, came up with the CSA model we have in the present. In the beginning, the first CSA in the U.S. was created in Massachusetts in 1984.

Today, there are more than 2500 CSAs across the United States. North Carolina has over 100 CSAs, and many more are being created each year as the interest of farmers and consumers increases.

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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Consumers can become Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) participants by purchasing a set amount at the start of the season, in one large amount, or as installments. The annual cost, usually between $400 and $700, is contingent on the length of the season as well as the quality and variety of the products offered.

The initial payment helps buy seeds and other equipment required for the season. It also gives the farmer an immediate cash flow to start the season. When they pay at the beginning of the season, CSA members share the risk of producing and free the farmer from most of the time required to market. This lets the farmer focus on sound land management and growing high-quality food.

As a part of the membership cost, members receive a variety of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables (usually organic) each week. Certain CSAs also offer fruit and herbs, meats, eggs, dairy products, cut flowers, and other items.

Consumers who join CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) eat healthy foods produced sustainably and can feel the peace of knowing where it comes from and where it was grown. A lot of CSAs offer events for education and social activities for members, which can further enhance their connection with the land and the farmers who provide them with food.

It is an easy enough concept; however, its impact has been massive. Many thousand families are now members of CSAs, and in some areas, there is more demand. The government does not keep track of CSAs; therefore, there’s no official count of the number of CSAs existing within the U.S.

Importance of CSAs

The Community Supported Agriculture system is believed to be much more durable than traditional grocery stores since it allows consumers to connect directly to a broader range of locally-sourced food options. The produce is transported a lot less, which saves fuel. Additionally, the direct connection between consumer and farmer can keep a greater portion of the profits.

They also let consumers consume more sustainable, in-season produce.

In addition, CSAs benefit farmers by sharing the fruits as well as the risks associated with harvest to both the consumer and farmer. For instance, if one crop fails during a season, then the CSA member can receive more of a crop that grew better.

By joining a CSA, there is also the possibility of saving up to 40 percent off seasonally available and organic produce over shopping at the supermarket.

Versions of CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture)

Successful CSA farmers have begun to experiment with different models. The “mix and match” or “market-style” CSA is the most popular.

Instead of setting the standard box of veggies for every participant each week, members fill their own packages using an amount of their own selection. The farmer will set out the weekly vegetables. Certain farmers urge members to take a certain quantity of what’s on the table but leave the rest to their families. Certain CSA farmers will donate the surplus produce to food banks. In other CSAs, the members can fill their boxes with anything that appeals to them, but within certain limits, e.g., “Just one basket of strawberries per family, please.”

The CSAs don’t just have to provide produce. Some farmers offer the option for shareholders to purchase shares of eggs, bread made from scratch, cheese, meat, and fruit, as well as flowers or other farm-based products with their vegetables. Some farmers sell their products in conjunction to offer their customers the most extensive selection.

For instance, a produce farmer could form a partnership with a neighbor to transport chickens to the CSA drop-off location so that CSA members can buy farm-fresh chickens when they pick up the CSA baskets.

Some farmers also establish standalone CSAs that offer meat, flowers, eggs, and conserved farm goods. In some areas of the United States, third parties not farming establish CSA-like companies that serve as intermediaries and offer containers of local (and sometimes, non-local) food products to their members.

Community Supported Agriculture – Shared Risk Model

A key concept is woven into the CSA model that extends the arrangement above and beyond the typical commercial transaction. It is called shared risk.

In most CSAs, the members pay in advance for the entire season, and the farmers try their best to deliver ample boxes of food every week. If things go downhill, the members will not be compensated. This creates a sense that “we’re in this together.” On certain farms, the notion of sharing risk is more prevalent than on other farms. CSA members might be required to sign a form to signify that they will take on what the farm may produce without question.

A lot of times, the notion of sharing risk is one of the factors that create an atmosphere of community between members, as well as between the members and farmers. If a hailstorm rips all the peppers out, everyone is devastated and cheers for our winter squash and broccoli. Most CSA farmers have a solid obligation to their members if certain vegetables are in short supply; they ensure that the CSA receives the first meal.

However, it’s important to note that occasionally things can go wrong on farms – as it happens in all kinds of business. Often, the desired outcome is not met, and members are left unsatisfied.

Benefits of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

This arrangement provides a variety of benefits to both farmers as well as the end-user.

Benefits for Farmers:

You will be able to market the food in the early months of the season.
Pay earlier in the year, which can help improve the farm’s cash flow.
You will have the chance to get acquainted with the people who consume the products they grow.

Benefits for Consumers:

Learn more about the ways food is produced.
Establish a connection and trust the person who grows their food.
Enjoy ultra-fresh farm produce that is full of flavor and health benefits.
Be exposed to new methods of cooking.
You can go to the farm at least once per season.
Kids tend to prefer the food from “their” farm – even vegetables they have never previously known.

6 Reasons to Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

Now that you’ve figured out what a CSA is, let’s discuss five reasons you might want to consider joining one.

It promotes the consumption of more fruits and vegetables. You have no excuse not to take your vegetables in when they are at your doorstep every week. We love vegetables and fruits in our home; however, when they are not available in the home, we are less likely to eat them. Don’t make excuses anymore!
You can experiment with different kinds of fruits and vegetables. You might be stuck in a rut of repeatedly eating the same food. The idea of having someone else pick items on your behalf (or, at the very least, the possibility of them choosing for you) allows you to experiment with things you would normally not.
It’s the season to eat. The body is not designed to consume the same foods all year long. There’s a reason why we eat strawberries in the summer and warm squash in winter. The CSA’s only can sell what they can grow; therefore, what you receive is the freshest of what’s on the market.
It can save you money. You cut out the middlemen and transport costs by buying directly from farmers. This can help you save money. You can save around 10 dollars a week by purchasing veggies and fruits from a CSA. It’s approximately $40 per month or under $500 a year.
It reduces food waste because they will give you enough food for the amount you place an order for. We only get enough food and clean them up each week.
Your local community is being supported. There’s no doubt that larger-scale commercial farmers are driving out most of our local farmers. The most effective way to show appreciation is by literally putting your cash where it is.

Who Can Start a CSA?

Member-Initiated CSAs

A group of consumers who are interested in locating a local farmer to make their food.

Producer-Initiated CSAs

Most CSAs are founded by farmers who are interested in alternatives to marketing and enhancing their connections to consumers.

Multiple-Producer CSAs

Several farmers come together to supply customers with a variety of goods.

Organization-Initiated CSAs

Organizations such as businesses, churches, schools, etc., provide an existing customer group that forms a CSA.

How to Join a CSA?

Consider joining the idea of a Community Supported Agriculture yourself and promote local, sustainable agriculture that is better for the farmers, you, the climate, and the earth.

The CSAs have lengthy waiting lists. Be aware of the time you can sign up! You can find a CSA near you by visiting https://www.localharvest.org. It has the most extensive database that includes CSA farms, with more than 4000 farms listed in its database for grassroots farmers.

You could also go to your local farmer’s market to see whether any farms have CSAs.

Furthermore, flower CSAs are becoming more popular. If you love having fresh-cut flowers on your doorstep regularly, you should consider getting involved in a local flower Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

You will need to commit to weekly (or bi-weekly) pickup or lose the following week. You’ll also need to be flexible and imaginative in your cooking since it is impossible to know what you’ll be served every week. However, it will be fresh. Some farms even have recipes to cook the week’s harvest. It’s an excellent method for discovering new vegetable varieties and trying out new recipes.

How to Get Started?

Meet potential members
Establish a core group
Develop a business plan and budget

Meet Potential Members

Begin with the people you are most familiar with: friends, relatives, neighbors, colleagues, etc. Communities or groups that already exist (environmental groups, companies and churches, community-based groups and health food stores, gyms and schools, civic groups, etc.) are an excellent spot to look for members. Use their meetings and newsletters to promote CSA and find members.

Establish a Core Group

The core group consists of the farmer(s) as well as several consumers and is accountable for determining the details for the CSA. Core groups increase ownership, distribute the burden and reduce the risk of burnout for farmers. A core team does a large portion of the work in organizing the CSA. The core group typically does not make farm-based decisions; they will be left up to the farm. It could include choosing the right crop and assisting in determining the share price as well as payment schedules, managing distribution, volunteer events newsletters, special events, and more.

Develop a Business Plan and Budget

The farmer’s budgets must cover the actual costs of production as well as organizational costs and also provide an adequate wage for the farmer. Capital expenses include land, equipment, structures, irrigation tools, etc. Labor costs – wages for workers and farmers, benefits such as FICA and workers’ compensation, etc. Operating expenses: seeds, plants, water, taxes, fertilizers, fuel, and other supplies.