What Is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, this is a program between a farm and a consumer where the consumer will pay, in advance, for a share of the crops for the season. This ensures that farmers have the capital to start their season strong and the customer gets produce discounts in the long run by paying up-front.
The concept of community supported agriculture (CSA) and pick-your-own (PYO) memberships originated in the 1960s with Dr. Booker T. Whatley, an agriculture professor at Tuskegee University, as a way to support local Black farmers in Alabama. What started in the 1960s as a basic share, has evolved with various options.
Most Popular Types of CSAs
Traditional CSA: Members receive a weekly or bi-weekly share of the farm’s harvest – either picking up directly on the farm, or at a local pickup site coordinated by the farmer. In a traditional CSA box, each week you will receive an assortment of fresh, seasonal produce. In June, this could include lettuce, broccoli raab, green onions, turnips, and radishes.
Customizable CSA: Allows members to tailor their shares based on individual preferences, lowering the chances of food waste. This is a great option for those who are concerned with product variety or food waste!
Market-style CSA: Allows members to “shop” their items at a designated pick-up spot, farmers’ market, or farm stand/store. You can select your produce from what’s available that week.
Why Join a CSA?
“For customers, CSA provides a direct connection to their food system. They are in regular communication with their farmer. They can eat with the change of seasons. Often, CSAs are cost-effective for a customer, especially for high-end, organic produce. Additionally, many studies suggest being a CSA member/shareholder improves health through increased vegetable consumption.” (Source)
Joining a CSA strengthens our local economy and environment, and promotes food system resilience. A big part of CSA is supporting local farmers. Your share provides reliable income early in the season to help farmers plan their season, invest in equipment, and create local jobs. Farmers’ need to be able to support their farm and the crops they grow for their families and communities. CSAs assure farmers’ that they will have financial support going into the season through sharing the risk and reward with the community supporting the farm operation.
In addition, CSAs build partnerships, customers enjoy more nutritious seasonal produce while building meaningful relationships with the farmers who grow your food. Members share in both the bounty of good harvests and the risks of challenging seasons, cultivating a deeper connection to where food comes from. CSAs provide customers a direct connection to where their food comes from.
Finally, CSAs provide important environmental benefits. Local food means less transport, lower emissions, and healthier local farmland. Many farmers prioritize organic and regenerative farming practices, unlike industrial agriculture, which often relies heavily on pesticides that can be harmful to humans, animals, and surrounding ecosystems. Industrial agriculture also frequently uses monocropping, growing a single crop in one area, which can reduce biodiversity and weaken soil health. In contrast, a key part to CSAs are a diverse selection of crops, which helps improve soil fertility and support a more balanced ecosystem. By caring for the land they live on, local farmers benefit both the environment and the consumer.
Check out www.seacoastharvest.org to find farms that offer CSA subscriptions and visit their websites and social media to see if they have shares available!