CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Local CSA farms produce food and distribute it locally to residents who buy "shares" in the farm, or become "members" of the CSA. Joining a CSA can be a great source of homegrown fresh produce for those in which gardening themselves is not an option. Typically CSAs take subscriptions from February though May, depending on how fast their shares fill up.
The History of the CSA
CSA farms are a fairly new idea in local agriculture. The first CSA farms can be traced back to Switzerland, Germany and Japan in the 1960s, although the ideas had developed separately in Europe and Asia. In the 1960s, consumers in Europe were concerned about the ecological aspects of modern forms of farming, and developed community partnerships in order to counteract the negative aspects of the urbanization of farmland. In 1965, mothers in Japan created Teikei, the first Japanese CSAs, in response to the rising cost of importing food.
In the United States, the idea of CSAs first developed in the mid 1980s, a concept brought to the country by Jan VanderTuin of Switzerland, and Trauger Groh of Germany.
How it works
With a typical CSA, a farmer will offer a limited number of "shares" of his crop to the public. Local residents will then receive a weekly box of produce, which includes a variety of crops, usually depending on what the farm has harvested in that particular time frame. Boxes are generally seasonal produce, and include a wide variety of different fruits and vegetables. The money from memberships is received early in the season, which helps the farmers focus on growing and quality, rather than marketing, selling, and financial security.
A main theme of CSAs is the idea of "shared risk" between farmer and consumer. By signing up to become a member, consumers "share" in the bounty of the farm, but also the hardships that the farm may fore go. If a pest takes out all of the pepper crop, consumers will not receive that particular item in their box. Likewise, if there is a bumper crop of cucumber and tomatoes, members may find the need to learn to make pickles or can salsa for the winter.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, many CSAs also offer additional farm products such as fresh eggs, locally raised meat, and home baked bread.
Some CSAs that service the Fox Valley area are:
Triple B Produce (New London, WI)
In 2010 members received about 200 pounds of produce for a 14 week season. We do our best to grow a variety of vegetables for our members. It is a great way to try things you wouldn't normally buy. In 2012 we will be offering work shares. Call for details.
Brenda Thyssen
920-596-3923
www.triplebproduce.com
Good Earth Farm (Oakfield, WI)
Join us for a delicious seasonal CSA experience! Our practices are to farm responsibly and, as we call it, live lightly on the Earth. We are an environmentally responsible farm using sustainable methods to grow a large variety of produce. On-farm events and worker shares are available to our CSA members. We offer several different share options and deliver to Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, the Fox Valley, and surrounding areas.
Nicole and Joe Schauer
920-583-2121
www.goodearthfarm.net
Park Ridge Organics (Fond Du Lac, WI)
Our Vegetable Share Program is a 20 week season of seasonal produce grown at or near Park Ridge Organics Farm. We have 8 drop off locations throughout the Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Appleton and
Neenah-Menasha area. Our members receive 8-12 different items per week in their box. We grow over 30 different items and over 100 varieties. Our half share size is portioned to feed a 1-2 person
household per week and the full share size a 3-4 person household. It varies depending on eating styles. We do offer a worker share option.
Robyn Calvey
920-979-9658
www.parkridgeorganics.com
Olden Produce (Ripon)
Here at Olden Produce our goal is not only to develop life, long relationships with our customers, but also educate you on more than where your food is coming from, but also how it is produced. Our CSA is a scheduled 20 week program starting the beginning of June and going until the middle of October.
Tracy Vinz
920-379-9004
www.oldenproduce.com
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