In recent years, local agricultural programs have become increasingly popular, giving us a real opportunity to create a sustainable, decentralized food system.
At the forefront of these changes is the CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) Program, which sees local farms produce organic veggies, fruits and even meats, for participant communities every week. Not only do these farmers enjoy the financial support they need to grow, but customers know exactly where their food is coming from.
On the consumer end, the CSA system works like this: Local farmers have a certain number of shares that they can ‘give’ to the public; the more land you have, the more customers you can provide for. By purchasing one of these shares for the season (usually spring to fall), the customer receives a box filled with a rotating array of fresh-picked produce each week. Different CSAs have different packages — for some you pay to receive just the food, in others you have the chance to participate in the physical farming process and receive a discounted price for the products. One thing’s for certain, though: Short of quitting your day job and starting a farm of your own, there’s no simpler (or more sustainable) way to fill your fridge.
We shopped the globe for a handful of seasonal standouts. Don’t be shy. Dig in.
Brooklyn Grange CSA, USA
Positioned right in Komai’s backyard, Brooklyn Grange’s CSA was what originally sparked our interest in writing this story. Beginning on May 4th, this 2.5 acre rooftop farm will be open for the public to enjoy, shop, and farm. Their 2013 CSA Program runs for 24 weeks over the spring/summer, during which time the roof doubles as a community and education center for families and kids groups, with topics ranging from DIY gardening to nutritional advocacy.
Farm Fresh to You, USA
The ‘Farm Fresh to You’ farm is located in Capay Valley, California and is one of the largest subscription CSA’s in the USA. It was founded in 1976 by Kathleen Barsotti and her then husband Martin Barnes. It is now run by her four sons, covers over 300 acres of farm land and serves over 13,000 families.
Coffee CSA, Global
The first large-scale CSA concentrating purely on coffee, created by Pachamama Coffee Cooperative, an international group that is co-owned by more than 140,000 small-scale farmers. Farmers in Mexico, Peru, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Nicaragua get the chance to sell directly to consumers USA consumers, and members are given the opportunity to choose “pick” the farmer they’d like to buy from based on posted information and bios. By diversifying the coffee market, farmers in these nations now have the ability to fund their harvests for the next year and support their families.
Angelic Organics, USA
Angelic Organics is a CSA serving over 1600 households in Chicago and Northern Illinois, and is a great example of how local farms are helping to create environmentally conscious communities. The organization not only educates people about agriculture but also encourages sustainable living throughout the region’s youth population, and supports farming apprenticeship programs across 20-plus local farms. (For more fun facts, check out the 31 award-winning feature film The Real Dirt on Farmer John, chronicling 50 years in the life of founder John Peterson.)
The Quebec CSA Network, Quebec
The Québec CSA network, which has been running for over 17 years, is one of the larger programs found around the world. It has a network of more than one hundred farms and serves over 8,500 households. Equiterre, a non-profit organization, provides the farms with technical support, helps them to connect with customers and spreads the word about CSA’s and sustainable living.
Organic Farm Share, Brisbane, Australia
The 351-member farm limits applicants to those living within a 200km radius, but their sustainably driven take on agriculture — which includes an emphasis on promoting women and young farmers — spans the globe. (We’re particularly fond of this genius infographic.)
Summerland Produce Co., Los Angeles
The downtown L.A.-based service sources from six farms throughout the surrounding region, with each contributing specialized harvests — from flowers and herbs to peaches and plums — according to what they do best. The greater good focus doesn’t stop, there, though. In addition to paid memberships, Summerland contributes a free produce to L.A.’s Downtown Women’s Center, and will launch a volunteer meal prep cooking club later this season.
