In so many ways, the holistic nutrition philosophy means returning to our ancestral roots for optimal health, nutrition, and community. The growing movement towards community supported agriculture (CSA) is a beautiful example of blending old world traditions in farming with sustainable, regenerative practices with the help of community input and support. As much as a movement as a philosophy, community supported agriculture and the systems that support it provide solutions to sustain farming, the environment, and livestock to a healthier future (Rodale Institute, 2021).
Simple in nature, the idea of CSA has widespread positive impact in those who participate. An example of this is when an independent farmer offers “shares” of their produce to consumers for purchase, often in form of weekly “subscription” or “membership” boxes of vegetables in season (Local Harvest, 2020). The public “shareholders” or “members” benefit with access to a variety of ultra-fresh offerings from a farmer whom they meet and with whom they establish a relationship (Local Harvest, 2020). Personal visits to the farm increase farmer credibility and consumer buy-in, which may translate to increased attention to quality and quantity of produce consumed (Local Harvest, 2020). “Ownership” by the community members in a farm builds confidence and trust, perhaps resulting in exposure and then experimentation with eating new foods (Local Harvest, 2020).
Often, consumers seek out such cooperatives in search of healthier alternatives to industrially-farmed fare. Locally raised, organic produce and pastured livestock, poultry, and eggs are increasingly in demand (USDA ERS, 2018). In fact, a group of Japanese women concerned about the use of pesticides, the increased consumption of processed and imported, “non-local” food, and the loss of small farms spurned the CSA movement (Roos, n.d.). The small-scale, personalized service, and local nature of CSAs are what attract members in increasing numbers.
The farmer benefits from this process as their cash flow is spread out over a longer period of time (Local Harvest, 2020). The rapport they build with consumers is potentially priceless, as word of mouth and brand loyalty may build lifelong customers. Produce farmers may also offer other goods to their members, whether from their own farms or through partnerships with neighboring farmers and ranchers (Local Harvest, 2020). Add-ons include eggs, poultry, meats, flowers, honey, etc., which also may be offered as stand-alone “shares” (Local Harvest, 2020). Pick-up and delivery options are varied and customer-driven (Cano, 2015).
Farmers collect payment in several ways. Most often, payment is required at the beginning of the season for ease of bookkeeping and for working capital (Roos, n.d.). Payment plans increase low-income participant accessibility, while work-share memberships may cover all or part of dues in exchange for time worked on the farm (Roos, n.d.). CSAs may even subsidize or donate shares to low-income families or homeless shelters in an effort to give back (Roos, n.d.).
The concept of shared risk is worth noting in the conversation about CSA. As mentioned above, often, the membership or coop dues are paid in advance of harvest in good faith, with the expectation that boxes of produce are delivered to the consumer as agreed-upon (Local Harvest, 2020). In tough times, such as poor weather, a farmer’s personal crisis, or farm mismanagement, the pickings may be slim, so to speak, and the member isn’t adequately compensated (Local Harvest, 2020). If trust is established between farmer and the public, this ideally becomes a “we’re in this together” relationship (Local Harvest, 2020). The farmer rallies to follow through with future crops while the consumer cheers and supports from the sidelines (Local Harvest, 2020). Many on both sides of the relationship find this community-based model rewarding and gratifying (Local Harvest, 2020).
Such small community collaborations have the potential to affect millions globally. Industrialized agriculture’s contribution to over-farming of soil, massive, high-yield mono-cropping, the inhumane treatment of animals through confined, concentrated systems, the use of toxic pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides, air and water pollution, and the crowding out of the medium-to-small farmer has taken its toll on food quality, the earth’s environment, and the vital role of farmer at the center of a community (USDA National Agriculture Library, 2007; National Resources Defense Council, 2021). The rise of small farming signals a pivot in public perception and action. Nutrient-dense, organic, non-GMO, locally-grown fruits and vegetables raised in rotated crops in regenerated soils are increasinging in demand (National Resources Defense Council, 2021). In addition, the idea of pastured, “happy,” grass-eating/insect-eating livestock and poultry raised humanely is becoming increasingly more mainstream (National Resources Defense Council, 2021).
Termed “sustainable agriculture,” this cluster of age-old practices is gaining momentum once again (National Resources Defense Council, 2021). Once thought of as inefficient and expensive, regenerative farming is proving to be a viable alternative to mass food production (USDA National Agriculture Library, 2007). The intent is to nurture local production of foods while achieving four broad, long term goals. These include growing enough nutrient-dense food to meet humanity’s needs (productivity); enhancing the quality of the land, water and air while making the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources (stewardship); maintaining the economic viability of farms and ranches (profitability); and promoting the resilience and well-being of producers, their families and society as a whole (quality of life) (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, 2021).
The United States Department of Agriculture provides education, resources, and training in sustainable agriculture for both farmers and consumers. The 2018 Farm Act provides programs to increase research support for organic farming and help incentivize organic transition and production (USDA ERS, 2018). State and local governments provide funding and education through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Sustainable Agriculture Program (National Institute of Food and Agriculture, n.d.).
Worldwide governmental policies are varied, with many farmers left unprotected, unsupported, and impoverished (Paris: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2019). According to a report covering agricultural practices in 53 countries, “Governments need to roll back distortive, inefficient and environmentally harmful support and put emphasis on high-return policy interventions and the enabling environment for a productive, sustainable and resilient agri-food sector (Paris: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2019). Research and education are key, allowing the independent farmer, no matter where in the world, to thrive, serve, and contribute to a healthier, more ecologically, socially, and economically vibrant future (World Wildlife Fund, 2021).
References
Cano, A. M. (2015). The Impact of Engagement With Community Supported Agriculture on Human Attitude Towards the Sustainable Food Movement (thesis). Graduate College Dissertations and Theses., Burlington.
Local Harvest. (n.d.). Community supported agriculture. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://www.localharvest.org/csa/.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (n.d.). Sustainable agriculture program. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://nifa.usda.gov/program/sustainable-agriculture-program.
National Resources Defense Council. (2021, May 5). Industrial Agriculture 101. NRDC. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/industrial-agriculture-101.
Paris: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. (2019). Agricultural policy monitoring and evaluation 2019. Research Library: Science & Technology. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://www.proquest.com/reports/agricultural-policy-monitoring-evaluation-2019/docview/2285036670/se-2?accountid=193085
Rodale Institute. (2021, March 16). The leaders who founded the organic movement. Rodale Institute. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://rodaleinstitute.org/blog/leaders-organic-movement/.
Roos, D. (n.d.). Community supported agriculture (CSA) resource guide for farmers. NC State Extension News. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-csaguide/.
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education. (2021, April 29). What is sustainable agriculture? SARE. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://www.sare.org/resources/what-is-sustainable-agriculture/.
USDA ERS. (2018). Organic agriculture. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://www.ers.usda.gov/agriculture-improvement-act-of-2018-highlights-and-implications/organic-agriculture/.
USDA National Agriculture Library. (2007, August). Sustainable agriculture: definitions and terms. NAL. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/sustainable-agriculture-definitions-and-terms.
World Wildlife Fund. (2021). Impact of sustainable agriculture and farming practices. WWF. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/sustainable-agriculture.