In my last posting, I suggested that people should pay greater attention to food labels, focusing on the product’s origin. While I believe such observance and conscious is important in understanding the structure of our food system, it alone is inadequate in the broad attempt to localize our production and consumption. The fact remains that consumer options to buy local and fresh produce often remain limited within chain supermarkets, as it is in these companies interest to buy from few agribusinesses and in large volume in order to maximize profit. It is for this reason that residents must seek “alternative sources” for local organic produce.

For a couple of decades now, an initiative known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has taken root and grown momentum in many towns across the United States, yet much of the population still knows little as to what it is or how it works. A CSA is composed of a community of individuals who pledge to support a farm’s operation. Members of a CSA are often referred to as “share-holders,” as they share both the risks and benefits of operating the farm. Members typically pay a fee in advance (often at the beginning of a season), which collectively covers the farms anticipated operating costs. In return, members receive portions of the harvest throughout the growing season. Since members also share the risks, in the event of poor weather, pests or other unfavorable conditions, each participant as a result will earn a smaller share.

The majority of CSAs offer an array of fruits, vegetables and herbs, but can also include a variety of animal products such as eggs, milk, cheese and meat among others. There is no standard mold for a CSA, as they range in size, varieties of produce, fees, and membership involvement.

The following quote was written by Trauger M. Groh and Steven S.H. McFadden in their book Farms of Tomorrow. Community Supported Farms, Farm Supported Communities (1990.)

“Since our existence is primarily dependent on farming, we cannot entrust this essential activity solely to the farming population–just 2% of Americans. As farming becomes more and more remote from the life of the average person, it becomes less and less able to provide us with clean, healthy, lifegiving food or a clean, healthy, lifegiving environment. A small minority of farmers, laden with debt and overburdened with responsibility, cannot possibly meet the needs of all the people. More and more people are coming to recognize this, and they are becoming ready to share agricultural responsibilities with the active farmers.”

Before judging whether or not joining a CSA would be convenient, cost-efficient or beneficial, I urge you to contact one of your local CSA farms and learn more about the details of their program and their individual fee. If it does not sound right for you, visit a local farmer’s market, food coop or farm stand. Independent small farms are a huge resource, use them!

I am proud to say that OurHudson has two new members who have CSA programs of their own, the Denison Farm and Kilpatrick farm!

For more information on the benefits of CSAs and to locate the one nearest you please visit:
http://www.localharvest.org/csa/