A BRIEF HISTORY

     The concept of Community Supported Agriculture was brought to the United States from Europe during the early 1980’s. The idea of subscription agriculture (“teikei”) was started in Japan over forty years ago. During the mid 80’s, two New England farms established what would become a growing trend of sustainable, organic-based agriculture.

In simple terms, CSA is a relationship between people, a farmer, and the farm. In advance of the growing season, members (share-holders) invest (purchase “shares”) in the farms seasonal bounty. Besides enjoying a wide variety of fresh, healthy, and flavorful produce, the members agree to share the many risks inherent to farming. In the event of a poor harvest due to environmental conditions, unfavorable weather, pests; or disease, everyone accepts a smaller  quantity or lesser quality. Farming has good years, and bad years.

The CSA gives members a personal connection with the farmer growing their food …a unique, spiritual relationship.  

TO LEARN MORE, click onto these links: 

 

What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?  

Wilson College, Robyn Van En Center www.csacenter.org/ 

 

From Community Supported Agriculture(CSA):An Annotated Bibliography and Resource Guide(1993) USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csadef.shtml 

 

From ATTRA Publication #IP289 by Katherine L. Adam NCAT Agriculture Specialist (2006) www.attra.org/attra-pub/csa.html

 

TO FIND A “CSA” FARM NEAR YOU, click on these links:

 
Local Harvest  www.localharvest.org/csa/

New Farm Locator www.newfarm.org/farmlocator/index.php

 
Robyn Van En Center CSA Farm Database, Wilson College www.wilson.edu/wilson/asp/content.asp?id=804

Top of Page