Ms Robin's Garden

Extra! Extra! Community Supported Agriculture (CSA for short) offers a new link in the food chain.

The CSA concept is relatively new. Originating in Europe in the 1960's, the CSA made it's first known appearance in the US in the mid 1980's. By 1990, there were only about 60 nationwide. According to the U of KY Extension Service, there were 1,150 in 2005, with 15 of those in Kentucky. As of February, 2010, we now have 1,300 across the US and 20 right here in Kentucky.

Following the contamination scares in recent years of fresh produce, more and more people are opting to purchase their fruits and vegetables from local farmers. This gives the consumers the opportunity to get to know the farmers and they can visit the farms to see for themselves first hand where and how their food is grown. Small farmers are leaning more toward organic and naturally grown practices to insure the quality and safety of our food.

How does a CSA work? In a nutshell, consumers pay a fee in advance for a share of the farmer's crops. Through the growing season, the members receive a bag or box full of freshly harvested produce each week, generally delivered to a central location for the members to pick up. Currently, most CSAs in this area have an average 20 week season. The contents will change each week based on what is seasonally available for harvest. The members are also sharing in the risk of crop failures. However, most CSA farmers using numerous tried and true methods, to lessen the risks to some extent. Farmer's benefit from having a ready market of confirmed customers and knowing how much they need to plant. They can concentrate more on farming and less on marketing.

Buying your food locally is not only good for you, but good for the community, as well!