History of the  CSA  Movement

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) originated in Japan in the 1970's, and it came from a basic belief that a relationship primarily between the farmer and the consumer was the only true way to ensure the integrity of the production and to build healthy rural and urban communities. The Japanese call this movement 'Teikei' which means 'putting the farmers face on the food'.  There are about 750 Teikei farms in Japan, 1000 in the US, 100 in the UK, and 60 in Canada. The movement is growing world wide.

With the aim of CSA's to connect local farmers and a community of members, this initiates a direct growing and buying relationship between these two groups.  Members purchase a share of the season's harvest before the seeds are sown .  As members they make a commitment to support the farm throughout the season, take on the costs, as well as the highs and lows of growing food, along with the farmer. The members shares the risk of farming along with the farmer, this includes poor or abundant harvests, favorable or unfavorable weather conditions, or pest problems. 

The Benefits of Joining a CSA 

In return for the members investment in the farm they receive a weekly box of locally grown, organic produce though out the year. We offer a wide range of produce, some heirloom varieties not found at the supermarkets, our produce is planted with taste in mind, picked fresh  and is delivered the same day. These boxes are delivered to sites in the members area, and they pick them up from these drop off points. Because they have committed to become a member for the season their responsibility is to pick up their box weekly. If they are out of town then they are responsible in  finding a friend or a family in need to pick up the box for them. This  can be a  positive situation, as this can be a gift for a family member or friend  and also a sample box for someone that might want to commit to becoming a member. Each week there is a newsletter of what is happening at the farm describing the ups and downs of the seasons, up and coming events of the farm calendar, updates of the current affairs of organic agriculture, and a page of recipes for the more unusual items in your box. You are also given the opportunity to visit the farm twice a year to see where your food comes from and to meet us, the farmers.

Our Principals for Offering a CSA

  • Together we are creating an ecologically sustainable non-exploitative, local system of agriculture.
  • We guarantee to deliver fresh, high quality, organic produce to you.
  • We are creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and interest in this common endeavor.
  • You are using your food dollar to have a positive affect on local environmentally sound agriculture.
  • Your participation and encouragement supports our ongoing stewardship of farm land.

 

 

 

HOME

   CSA     FARMERS MARKETS       OUR FARM     OUR PRODUCTS      FARM TO SCHOOL  

Calendar      Site Map     Farm Preservation       Recipes       Pictures     Research