I was surprised the other day when a couple of savvy journalists I know hadn’t heard of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Granted, their beat is design and not food, but I thought that CSAs were becoming rather well known in cities like Toronto.
So, today, I give you some weekend homework: if you haven’t heard of CSAs please read on. If you have and can recommend a good one or offer tips to the uninitiated, please add a note in the comments section below.
What is a CSA? Originating in Europe about 90 years ago, CSAs offer a way to support local farmers and enjoy a ready supply of farm fresh foods. In other words, subscribing to a CSA gives you the benefits of a garden without having to get your hands dirty (think of the money you’ll save on manicures!)
How do CSAs work? To get involved, you need to find a participating farmer in your area and sign up for a produce subscription. In turn for supplying money up front in spring, you receive a weekly allotment of the farm’s harvest all summer and into early autumn. Finding a local CSA is becoming easier – especially in provinces like Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia and states like New York and California. Most areas have an online directory and many growers with farmers’ market stalls participate in these programs as well.
Are CSA’s just about vegetables? Nope. While many CSA subscriptions are for market produce (such as lettuce, tomatoes and carrots), artisans like Monforte Cheese in Stratford, ON use this system, too. “We launched a CSA program in February 2009,” notes Monforte spokesperson Maureen Argon. “People have purchased our CSAs as birthday presents, wedding presents and one man bought a $500 subscription for his parents 45th wedding anniversary.”
I’m curious, what appeals to you more: growing your own veggies, going to the farmers’ market or subscribing to a CSA? Personally, I’m keen on growing my own garden and going to the farmers’ market. I’m toying with signing up for a CSA, too though. It’s just a question of how much produce I can handle!
