What is CSA?

A BIT OF HISTORY

“CSA” stands for “Community Supported Agriculture.” CSA farms were created to provide solutions to several central problems: The first was that, as “eaters” became more educated about the negative effects of industrial agriculture on their local, national, and global environments, as well as the negative implications of accumulating years of toxins in their bodies from eating pesticide- and herbicide-laden foods, a demand was created for more organically-grown produce. These eaters also wanted a more direct connection to the source of their food and its progression from the farm to their table. As the eaters became more educated about the production of food in our country, they realized that the majority of small farmers were more impoverished than themselves — due to monoculture farming practices and lack of protection from the global commodities markets, among other stresses, commercial farming methods often left the farmers more in debt at the end of the season than when they began. In addition, they discovered that many of the small farmers around them craved a deeper connection to the communities who benefited from their hard labor (it’s hard to know who eats the end product of corn or soybeans which are sent through so many “middlemen” before finding its way to someone’s table).

In seeking to improve all of these situations, the CSA concept was born: the eaters would partner with a particular farmer by buying “shares” in the farm and paying for them at the beginning of the growing season, when the farmer needs the money to purchase seeds, equipment, etc. Sometimes the CSA shareholders (or members) would also help the farmer with labor on the farm during the most labor-intensive times, such as planting or harvesting of certain veggies, or assisting with distributions. In return, the CSA members would receive a weekly distribution of the veggies which were ready for harvest. A direct bond was created between the farmer and the eaters, and everyone was able to “put a face to their food.”

WHAT’S GOING ON IN KANSAS CITY?

In Kansas City, the CSA distribution season generally runs from mid-May through mid-October, although some farmers, responding to demand, are experimenting with extending the growing season into the late autumn/early winter by growing veggies in high-tunnels and greenhouses.

SHARE SIZES

Most KCCSAC member farms offer “full-size” shares and “half”/”partial”-size shares, and a couple offer a smaller share yet, for individuals. Although the makeup of each CSA is unique, in general, a full-size share is meant to feed a family of four for a week and still allow them to eat out once or twice. A partial/half share is thought to be a good share size for two adults.

SHARE PRICES, PAYMENT

One of the main purposes of creating a CSA is so that the farmer will have the capital (s)he needs to begin the growing season without having to go into debt. Therefore, CSA shares are expected to be paid for before distributions begin (ideally, before the end of April). That said, Coalition farmers are mindful of these difficult times, the need to provide locally-grown, organic food to those who might not otherwise be able to access it, as well as being respectful to some folks’ need to integrate the cost of a CSA share into their budget.

To that end, Coalition farmers will work with their CSA members on an individual basis if the member needs to break his/her share cost into more than one payment, generally with the expectation that the member’s share price will be paid for before the first distribution. Some farmers are also willing/able to offer “work shares” — this is a CSA share offered in trade for a certain number of hours of labor by the member at the farm. These are usually limited in availability, so if you have the time and ability to put some sweat equity into your CSA share, get in touch with a CSA farmer early on.

SHARED RISK*

There is an important concept woven into the CSA model that takes the arrangement beyond the usual commercial transaction. That is the notion of shared risk. When originally conceived, the CSA was set up differently than it is now. A group of people pooled their money, bought a farm, hired a farmer, and each took a share of whatever the farm produced for the year. If the farm had a tomato bonanza, everyone put some up for winter. If a plague of locusts ate all the greens, people ate cheese sandwiches. Very few such CSAs exist today, and for most farmers, the CSA is just one of the ways their produce is marketed. They may also go to the farmers’ market, do some wholesale, sell to restaurants, etc. Still, the idea that were in this together remains. On some farms it is stronger than others, and CSA members may be asked to sign a policy form indicating that they agree to accept without complaint whatever the farm can produce.

Many times, the idea of shared risk is part of what creates a sense of community among members, and between members and the farmers. If a hailstorm takes out all the peppers, everyone is disappointed together, and together cheer on the winter squash and broccoli. Most CSA farmers feel a great sense of responsibility to their members, and when certain crops are scarce, they make sure the CSA gets served first. Still, it is worth noting that very occasionally things go wrong on a farm like they do in any kind of business and the expected is not delivered, and members feel let down. It might have been a catastrophic divorce, or an unexpected illness or death in the family. Or the weather was abominable, or the farmer was inexperienced and got in over his/her head.

In our experience, if the situation seems regrettable but reasonable a bad thing which in good faith could have happened to anyone and the CSA farmer keeps communications open and honest with his/her members, most CSA members will rally, if they already know and trust the farmer. These people are more likely to take the long view, especially if they have received an abundance of produce in the past. They are naturally more likely to think, Itll be better next year, than are new members who have nothing to which to compare a dismal experience.

The take-home message is this: If the potential for not getting your moneys worth makes you feel anxious, then shared risk may not be for you and you should shop at the farmers’ market.

*(adapted from LocalHarvest.org)