photo taken from trendsupdates.com
I discovered something today that I’m almost embarrassed to say I did not know much about. This discovery came via our esteemed commentor, Dan (aka Auntiegrav) regarding Community Supported Agriculture.
CSA is a concept I had dim awareness of, so I assume I’m not alone especially on the Isle of Manhattan. I went to a fantastic website (localharvest.org) to begin some research and at the conclusion bought a share of a local farm. Last post regarded simplicity vs. complexity, and the concept of CSA really can’t be more profoundly simple with major sustainability implications that were almost mind-boggling once I started thinking about what my local community would be like if even 20% of NYC residents committed to this.
To summarize CSA:
- contribute money to a local farmer early in the season (investing locally)
- receive weekly rations of seasonally harvested organic food (eating locally, minimizing impact, enhanced health)
- share the risk/reward of local or seasonal events (community support & involvement)
You all know I like numbers, so couldn’t help but scratch out some long division based on the habits of 8 million residents nearby and the local economy. Under my very crude (and simple) model, a conversion of 20% (remember the Pareto Principle?) could devastate companies like Mansanto locally and completely revitalize abandoned family-owned Hudson Valley and Long Island farms to the tune of billions of dollars. Based on the farm’s historical performance and my most recent shopping receipts, my probability of halving my food expense this year is about 75%. I’m a skeptical, analytical person, and I found few things not to like about this.
I don’t normally promote ideas or concepts until I’ve experienced it first-hand, but I’m convinced, and will be actively promoting this idea in the coming weeks to friends and colleagues. I feel a broad sense of relief knowing that I am now tied to something real that I could actually touch with my hands instead of wondering where or how my food has been grown this year. I feel like this an insurance device that makes my family more secure.
I need to thank Dan for rattling my cage and constantly reminding us where the sun rises and sets. Without it, I may never have been lead in such a direction. I’m continually humbled by the benefit I receive by readers of this site, and am ignited by the passion and inspiration. From my heart, thank you.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
You’re very welcome and thank you for your well written description.
I failed to start a CSA on my farm, and I think it was the right thing for me to not do. I am not a good farmer, nor a good manager. Instead, I work with other CSA’s and grow some food on my farm. I provide engineering and repair work for them. Most of the CSA’s that are successful aren’t started by traditional farmers, but by city folk who don’t have my experience with equipment. Many don’t even use much equipment, and my knowledge of same allows me to respect them even more for it. (I know the costs to my humanity of technology.)
Have a good day. I’m off to the gun show.
If any of your readers live in Maine and are interested in CSA, look for The Turkey Farm in New Sharon. This is a turkey CSA, where you buy a share for $100 and get $106 worth of turkey (ground, sausage, cutlets, whole turkey, etc.). And it’s all organic, and the turkeys are free range.