Buy Local - A Look at Community Supported Agriculture

Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a new idea in farming, one that has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United States from Europe in the mid-1980s. The CSA concept originated in the 1960s in Switzerland and Japan, where consumers interested in safe food and farmers seeking stable markets for their crops joined together in economic partnerships.

Today, CSA farms in the U.S., known as CSAs, currently number more than 400. Most are located near urban centers in New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and the Great Lakes region, with growing numbers in other areas, including the West Coast.

Advantages for farmers: Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin. Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow. Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow.

Advantages for consumers: Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits. Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking. Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season. Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm -- even veggies they've never been known to eat. Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Community
• Supported
• Agriculture
• CSA
• organic
• food coop
• green
• eco
• environment
• nature
• farms
• garden
• flowers
• california
• farmer
• vegetables
• vitamin
• veggies