In 2023 Crossroads Farm opened a Flower CSA to be followed in 2024 by a Vegetable CSA. Many times people questioned us: “What is a CSA?” Here is a short explanation of Community Supported Agriculture, commonly referred to as a “CSA”.

 

CSAs embody an alternative relationship between farmer (producer) and consumer.  Buyers purchase an annual share at an agreed on fee and are guaranteed fresh produce on a weekly basis for the following season. Thus the farmer is guaranteed an income for the winter when bills roll in. Buyers are assured of produce distributed weekly.

 

The CSA model has evolved since its introduction to the U.S. in the 1980’s by two farmers who brought the ideas to this country from Europe. The ideology and practices owe their origin to Rudolf Steiner’s contribution to social renewal practices between producers and buyers and the holistic view of farming in Biodynamic Agriculture. These have been put into practice on a worldwide basis. In the United States alone there are at least 13,000 CSAs and the approach has spread to the British Isles, Europe, the Mediterranean region, West Africa, India and China.

 

The CSA model has shifted from for-profit goals of conventional farming; the CSA works to foster a relationship between producer and consumer. “Get to know your farmer” is a world-wide mantra. In a nutshell, the goal is to build a community, supporting the farmer through thick and thin. I was a member of a CSA years ago, which suffered through a very heavy drought. We received almost no produce.  The CSA members combined efforts and paid for a well for the farm. After installing it, the farm then sprang into life and resumed a successful venture.

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CSAs have developed a variety of practices, from the original idea of collaboration - including a management/partnership between farmer and subscriber, to a common goal to distribute through a traditional market. The middle ground includes a functional relationship, - mostly social with meetings, newsletters and events, between the producer and the subscribers.

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The conventional for-profit goal in the partnership has been modified in various degrees. This relationship has changed somewhat over the years into three models. The first being distribution through a traditional market distribution of goods from the farmer to the subscriber. The second might include a functional relationship, - mostly social with meetings, newsletters and events, between the producer and the subscribers. The third is closer to the original idea, of a collaborative relationship between the farmer and the subscribers, including management/partnership.

 

So you may find CSAs in many far-flung places, but they all share an enthusiasm for high quality organic/biodynamic produce, a respect for the farmer and eagerness to participate in the local nature of the farm or garden. And welcome to Crossroads Farm’s CSAs and to the ever-growing CSA movement!!

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Until next time,

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Your Friends at Crossroads Farm

 

Information from Wikipedia – CSA.  More can be found on that site.

 

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