What is a CSA?

What is a CSA? The acronym CSA stands for community-supported agriculture. It is a system whereby locally grown produce is sold to members of the group through shares.

The USDA definition of a CSA is,

"In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing."

Who runs the CSA? Usually, the organization is run by the farmers, CSA members, and sponsoring organizations, if applicable.

What are some of the benefits of joining a CSA? Since the food is locally grown, it decreases the emissions of greenhouse gases. (Locally grown refers to the buying and eating of food that has been grown, manufactured, or produced entirely within a 100 mile radius of the residence of the individual who will be consuming the food. Please see The 100-Mile Diet for further details.) Because the produce is not flown in from overseas or trucked in from other parts of the country, less fuel is used. Less fuel = lower emissions. Lower emissions = better air quality.

Another plus is that the veggies arrive au natural--that is, no polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or expanded rigid polystyrene plastics are used for packaging (for the layman, this means no shrink wrap and Styrofoam). Since PVC and polystyrene-derived products will not break down into organic material in your or my lifetime, they will continue to contribute significantly to our solid waste problem. Reducing solid waste is ALWAYS a good thing.

Additionally, members receive a variety of veggies weekly and are exposed to produce they might not otherwise try.

Lastly, and in my opinion most importantly, membership supports our farmers who are being forced into debt through government subsidies. Please read The Omnivore's Dilemma for the lowdown.

This sounds like an eco-friendly and socially responsible idea, so why do I hate my CSA? Firstly, as a practicing locavore, the produce does not meet my definition for locally grown since the farm is 196.23 miles away. There are quite a few organic farms much closer than ~200 miles away. (Shamefully insert contradictory statement here: The flesh is weak; thus, I still enjoy the occasional mango, avocado, and plantain. What can I say? I am of Caribbean descent and sometimes I fall victim to my fond childhood memories.)

Secondly, it is hands down the singly most disorganized group to which I belong and for which I am an active participant. This is my first year as a member, and most likely my last.

In the coming season, I will outline my weekly disappointments. By no means do I wish to discourage anyone from joining a CSA. To the contrary, I simply want to demonstrate how a CSA should NOT be managed. For more information about CSAs in your NYC 'hood, please visit Just Food. Outside of the NYC area, please see the Local Harvest website.