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Grace
& Creativity Under Pressure
Modern
Urban Gardening Trends
Green Roofs
Container Gardening
Indoor
Gardening
Urban
Rainwater Collection
Hydroponics
Urban
Food Production
Community
Supported Agriculture
Brownfield
Restoration
Community
Gardening
High-Yield
Techniques - Small Spaces
Soil
Basics for Urban Gardeners
Urban
Garden Pest Control Tips
Small
Urban Garden Design Tips
Plant
Guide for Urban Gardeners
Recommended
Products
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Community
Supported Agriculture
Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a concept
that originated in Switzerland and Japan in the 1960’s
and is now getting more attention here in the United States.
It consists of a community or neighborhood that actively supports
a local farm so that the farm becomes a cornerstone of the community.
This can either involve the community becoming share-holders
of the farm or agreeing to purchase the majority of their produce
directly from the farmers. Members are also encouraged to volunteer
on the farm and thus receive addition crops as a reward.
This relatively new idea in farming helps provide stable markets
for farmers as the farmers typically receive better prices for
the crops they supply, and marketing becomes less of a burden.
Moreover, many CSAs are dedicated to more ecologically friendly
forms of gardening, typically involving partially or fully organic
farming techniques. As we use such a vast amount of natural
resources growing produce on distant farms and importing food
to the city, CSAs also help the environment by reducing the
amount of energy used in growing and transporting food.
Today, CSAs are rapidly popping up throughout the country. It’s
estimated that there are over 400 community supported farms
operating in the U.S. today. They are more often than not established
in or near urban areas, and differ widely in size, products,
and philosophies. However, they all share the common goal of
strengthening communities and providing a more local source
of food. Some CSAs grow strictly fruits and vegetables, while
others also have poultry, livestock, and dairy products available.
Some farmers offer different fruits and vegetables all year
long and others, just during the growing season. Many are also
involved in other community development projects, using their
farms as classrooms, or growing additional food for the disadvantaged
of their community.
For more information about CSAs, the Alternative
Farming Systems Information Center has a website with lots
of resources and links.
 ©
2005 Urban Gardening Help. All Rights Reserved.
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l Community Gardening
l High-Yield Techniques -
Small Spaces
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