03/25/2026
Something interesting in times of strife...
A SHORT HISTORY OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE
The CSA arose out of a desire for farms to be closely linked to their communities. During the 50s and before, in Europe, models for locally producing food, and creating local food security, were seen as a way to address the fabric of community and access to food.
The ideal model was for a group of people in a community to share in both the cost of a farms operation and all of the food produced. The total cost of production and labor was divided evenly amongst the members, as was everything produced. In many ways, this model worked great for predictabilty for the farm to stay operational. It also served its members in producing much of their food needs.
During the sixties the model began to get a foothold in America and saw strong growth and integration over the past several decades. With high availabilty of food through commercial sources and a movement away from food storage, the model was modified. What began as a self sustaining model grew to become a component of what the farm did to create income. But it continued to offer a place for community, local food, and food security.
The original model still exists in some places: a farm that serves a community, all products are equally shared amongst its members, the crops or products produced are chosen by the membership, and costs are evenly divided. However, many other models have also sprung up as each community is different. Some farms offer a flat rate and each week provide a mixed bag of whatever might be in season. The value can range to suit a families needs, but the end goal is to offer some discount for investing in the farm early. On the other end, some farms are offering the early payment system but allow for full choice in what their customers receive. This model builds the discount into the "share" cost up front. One big difference the newer models allow for is carrying your funds forward each season. The older models require a "spending down" of the account.
Whichever model works for you, every farm is committed to growing the best produce they can. Being an integral part of the community remains as a core value. In these times our farms will be more important then ever, as food security comes into question with the increased cost of shipping.
Keep our farms alive, join a CSA, visit a farm stand, head to a farmers market.
For more info on our "Farm Direct" program, visit our website
Please SHARE, keeps the algorithm strong
http://deepmeadowfarm.net
Deep Meadow Farm-Organic
