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Local Sustainable Farm Community Supported Agriculture CSA

The Origins of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

March 7, 2019 Jennifer Ross

Whenever I use the term CSA, people recognize the acronym but always ask me what CSA actually stands for. CSA is an acronym for ‘community supported agriculture’. CSA is a farm initiative where people can invest in a farm share that offers a weekly harvest of local, nutritious produce. The investment in the farm share usually requires a fee and some CSAs also require ‘volunteer’ work at the farm. Ultimately, CSA offers people a return to local, wholeness, and health while providing some economic sustainability to local farmers.

History of CSA Across the World

Teikei Movement in Japan

In 1965-1971, a form of what we now call CSA or community supported agriculture, existed in Japan.  A philosopher and leader of agriculture cooperatives named Teruo Ichiraku initiated the organic movement by talking to people about the dangers of chemicals used in farming.  Many concerned consumers, especially mothers, partnered with farmers to form the first Teikei, or partnership, projects. The goal was to decrease the reliance on imported food and focus on consuming organic food from local farms.

Yoshinori Kaneko had a family farm in Japan and realized that he could also supply food to other families. In 1975, he supplied 10 families with rice, wheat and vegetables in return for money and labor. These contracts between consumers and farmers were part of the Teikei Movement. This was how the concept of CSA initiated in Japan.  Consumers invested time and funds in local Japanese farms and reaped the nutritional benefits of local, organic produce.

Seikatsu Club Consumers’ Co-operative

The Teikei movement in Japan is still alive and well. The largest cooperative network in Japan, the Seikatsu Club Consumers’ Co-operative started out with 1 Tokyo mom and now has about 400,000 members.  The Seikatsu Club wants ‘safe food at reasonable prices.’  The Club decides on the materials, production process, packing materials and environmental impacts of food and consumer goods, and purchases them by pre-ordering. This process allows producers, like farms, to prepare in advance and guarantee product freshness. In some cases the Club produces their own products when they cannot locate producers who can meet their standards. Their emphasis is also on direct contact between consumers and producers, promoting self-sufficiency in food, and the sustainability of local agriculture.

As I read more about the Seikatsu Club and their cutting-edge, influential and sustainable work in Japan, it forces me to think about similar movements in the United States and how this ‘Club’ idea may be an interesting way to gain more access to high quality, sustainable and local products.

The Origins of Community Supported Agriculture in Switzerland

In Switzerland, farmers and consumers formed similar organizations to those in Japan. Reto Cadotsch and a few comrades started Les Jardins de Cocagne in 1978 with 50 members. Supposedly, the first year all they ate were turnips. Turnips can be versatile but not sure if I could have survived this!

The farm had poor tools, rented land, had no irrigation, and no houses, but their members were very supportive. The farm still rents its land, growing a diversity of vegetable crops, apples, grapes, and berries on seventeen hectares (1 hectare is equal to 2.47 acres). The four hundred plus members do a minimum of four half-days of farm work a year. The farm crew packs the bags of produce while members deliver half the shares. This CSA structure is similar to many traditional models.

Northeast Farms Inspired CSA Movement in the United States

According to Steve McFadden, writer and speaker, the CSA movement started in 1986 in the US, but was not directly influenced by the initiatives discussed in Japan. The CSA influence in the United States came from Europe.

Robyn Van En was the cofounder and original owner of  Indian Line Farm in the South Egremont, MA.  She is widely recognized as one of the true founders of the CSA movement in the United States.

In 1985, a young farmer, Jan Vander Tuin, was attracted to South Egremont, MA.   Jan’s previous travels and work on biodynamic farms in Switzerland and Germany, inspired his thinking around the CSA concept as he returned to the US. He helped initiate a project of growing apples and winter-storage crops for 30 families and friends. However, shares of the harvest were sold in advance of the season.

CSA Garden at Great Barrington

Following that season, the CSA Garden at Great Barrington was formed and entered into a lease with Robyn Van En for the use of her Indian Line Farm land in 1986.  By 1991, they had over 300 families invested in their CSA.  They became one of the inspirations for farms across the country who were exploring the concept of CSA.

Temple-Wilton Community Farm

At about the same time, Biodynamic farmer Trauger Groh, developed his version of CSA from his experiences at Buschberghof in Northern Germany.  He partnered with Lincoln Geiger and Anthony Graham in 1986 to develop Temple-Wilton Community Farm in Wilton, New Hampshire – now one of the oldest operating CSAs in the United States. Their approach was to ask members of the community for a pledge vs. a fixed price payment for a share. Their thinking was that people had a wide range of needs and incomes and they wanted to accommodate and encourage local community participation within their means and needs.

Growth of Community Supported Agriculture in the US

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, community supported agriculture grew slowly across the US.  The vast majority of those projects were small family farms, growing organic or biodynamic vegetables on 3 to 5 acres of land. They averaged from 30 to 50 members and the farms usually retained other markets and farm stands.

Now, there are approximately 13,000 CSA farms in the United States today. Each CSA functions a bit differently depending on the community it is serving.  When developing our CSA structure at HeartBeet Farms, there were several key factors that were involved in the design. These factors included what local area did we want to serve with our CSA, the demographics and demands on that area, and how a CSA could compliment their current meals. You can read more about how we developed our HeartBeet Farms CSA here.

In the meantime, explore CSA options in your local area. And if CSA is not your thing, then check out and buy from your local farm stands and farmer’s markets! It not only helps your local farmer – it helps your local soil and the health and well-being of your family and friends!

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Posted in: CSA Filed under: community supported agriculture, farm share, farm shares, local farming, local farms, local produce, local vegetables, local veggies, organic produce, organic veggies

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The Agri-Tourist Podcast, my journey back to agriculture! Join me to learn from agritourism farmers & entrepreneurs & help me build my farm strategy!


On the Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Wa
On the Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Watson-Hampton, author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland.  I was heading down to South Carolina and my half way point was Maryland.  I reached out to Shelby to see if she would be available to connect at her vineyard on a specific evening and, lucky for me, she was available, and so were 10 other local farm women and entrepreneurs.  Shelby created an evening of wine, charcuterie, book discussion, connection and mini podcast interviews. 

Part II of our visit to Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards begins with my interview with Jennifer Harris who manifested her way from a farm in Washington State to Washington DC. Jennifer has always asked, “what is behavior change and how does communications play a role in that? “ Hence, her career has been in Communications within the government sector focused on agriculture and the environment. 

Next I interviewed Sydney Garner who grew up on a 3500 acre, generational,  conventional family grain farm that grew corn, soybeans and wheat. These products are not direct to consumer products and get a bad rap at times.  Sydney taught us about how her farm works to ensure that their farming and production doesn’t  impact the local Bays. 

Caroline Trossbach was born and raised on a 4th generation Maryland farm. She is an Agricultural development specialist supporting farm businesses in her county. We had a great discussion about the evolution of farmers markets and ultimately why farmers are turning more to agritourism. 

Lastly, I interviewed Shari Bryant. Shari’s love for horses started when she was a young girl.  Shari built a career in accounting, but she knew her life would involve horses. She launched FoxFire Farm where they do horseback trail riding paired with wine tasting at the next door vineyard…this is such a creative agritourism venture. 

Enjoy my interviews with these amazing ‘farm’ women. Clck on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast. 

#podcast #marylandfarm #marylandfarms #marylandvineyard #farmpodcast


On Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Watson
On Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Watson-Hampton, author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards.  I was heading down to a wedding in SC and my 1st stop was Maryland. I always say that I want to visit and connect in person…and I really do mean it.  I reached out to Shelby to see if she would be available to meet at her vineyard.  She was available, and so were 10 other local farm women and entrepreneurs.  Shelby created an evening of wine, charcuterie, book discussion, connection and mini podcast interviews.  Next is a series of mini podcast interviews with some inspirational farm women. 

1. First up is Susan Watson White, co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards and Shelby’s Aunt!  During Shelby’s interview, we spoke a lot about her Aunt and the leadership role she took on at the farm when her father/Shelby’s grandfather suddenly passed away. 
2. Next up is Tasha Dickerson.  She is new to Shelby’s farm group but not new to growing.  Many will relate to her story, her desire to get into farming, and her practical thinking about how she needs to approach this passion and journey.
3. Next you will meet with Mika Palmer who grew up in farming and now is part of her husband’s hay and straw business.  We sometimes just say that someone grows hay…but we don’t  stop to think about what that really means...it’s a lot more intricate than we make it out to be.
4. Amy Crone is the next interview.  Among the many things that Amy does, she is helping to feed Americans!  The need for what she is doing and the impact of what she is doing is extraordinary! 

Enjoy my conversations with each of these amazing women and check out next week’s episode for Part II of my visit to Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards! Click the link in the bio to listen to the podcast! 

#vineyard #marylandvineyard #marylandvineyards  #farmwomen #womeninfarming #womeninbusiness #inspiringwomen #ruralwomen #podcast #farmpodcast #agpodcast #agriculturepodcast


🧄 it’s garlic scape season!
🧄 it’s garlic scape season!


The Chocolate Experience @ Berkshire Farm Sanctuar
The Chocolate Experience @ Berkshire Farm Sanctuary…select a Saturday and join us for a chocolate m/cocktail hour! Link in bio for more details and to register! 

#berkshirecounty #berkshirecountyma #farmanimalsanctuary #animalsanctuary #rescuedanimals #berkshires #chocolates #chocolatetasting #chocolatetastings #chocolatecocktails #chocolatemocktails #tastechocolate #realchocolate #realchocolates #beantobarchocolate


Shalom Farms is a nonprofit working together to bu
Shalom Farms is a nonprofit working together to build healthy communities by growing and sharing healthy food. The food they grow is distributed through their network of programs and partnerships in communities where access to healthy food is limited.

Shalom Farms is the evolution of the work of the United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond (UMUMR) which has a long history of social service work in Richmond VA. In 2009 UMUMR started a pilot project growing food on just half an acre at Westview. As the impact of the project quickly became clear, the organization decided to focus exclusively on food access work and eventually changed its name to Shalom Farms.

In 2016, they relocated their primary growing site to a larger, more accessible 12 acre farm in only 20 minutes west of Richmond. And they have since added a second five-acre site in Richmond’s Northside. This expansion has allowed them to evolve from distributing just a few thousand pounds of produce a year to local food banks, to a comprehensive range of food access programs and strategies that serve over 10,000 community members annually.

What makes Shalom Farms so unique is their focus on providing meaningful access to healthy food which is at the heart of everything they do.  So What does “meaningful access” mean?  We explore the meaning in my podcast interview with Änna Ibrahim, Executive Director of Shalom Farms. 

Anna’s diversity of career knowledge, experience, and exposure to food access and equity issues, led her to this unique role as the ED of Shalom Farms.  It was like the job was crafted just for her.  And her husband intuitively knew that as soon as he saw the job post!  Enjoy my inspiring conversation with Anna. Click on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast episode.
#foodsecurity #foodinsecurity #mobilemarket


On podcast Episode #4 I interviewed author, vineya
On podcast Episode #4 I interviewed author, vineyard owner, and farm business guru, Shelby Watson-Hampton.  I told Shelby that I wanted to visit her vineyard one day!  I have a wedding to go to in South Carolina on June 7th and Maryland was a perfect half way point to stop for the night....and it was the perfect opportunity to try to visit Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards and meet Shelby in person!  Well, we did just that, last night!  And, as Shelby said, we made it a ‘thing’ - a ‘thing’ that involved a group of amazing women that are connected to farming in some way!  We all met at the vineyard, shared a glass of delicious wine, shared some inspiring ‘farming-related’ books, and I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet and interview each of the women that attended.  This special podcast episode will launch within the next few weeks...stay tuned!! Thank you Shelby - you are an amazing connector - which is definitely evident from your book, ‘Grace, Grit & Lipstick’! 

#farmedlife #maryland #marylandvineyards #vineyardsmaryland #marylandfarms #thefarmedlife



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I was asked to help out a group of friends with a new podcast – Marisa, the friend who interviews me, was one of those friends. They call themselves ‘terrestrial’ radio people as they all were involved with various radio shows back in the day – you can tell by their great voices! I sat down with them a few months ago and downloaded my thoughts on how to get started, realizing how much I had learned with a year’s worth of podcast episodes under my belt! I felt very complimented to have been asked to do this. Well, they just launched their first episode and asked me to come down to the library studio during their recording for support – just in case!! I didn’t know they were going to recruit me as their first guest – LOL! I had such a fun experience. They are off to an amazing start so please give them a listen. You can find them on all the big podcast platforms – Spotify, Apple, IHeartRadio, etc.. under the name Yakety Yak; Let’s Talk About That! I will add the Apple Podcasts link to my bio! Give them a listen! And feel free to also give them a review after you listen. Congrats Mike, Marisa and Glenn!!! You did it!

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heartbeetfarms

The Agri-Tourist Podcast, my journey back to agriculture! Join me to learn from agritourism farmers & entrepreneurs & help me build my farm strategy!


On the Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Wa
On the Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Watson-Hampton, author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Maryland.  I was heading down to South Carolina and my half way point was Maryland.  I reached out to Shelby to see if she would be available to connect at her vineyard on a specific evening and, lucky for me, she was available, and so were 10 other local farm women and entrepreneurs.  Shelby created an evening of wine, charcuterie, book discussion, connection and mini podcast interviews. 

Part II of our visit to Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards begins with my interview with Jennifer Harris who manifested her way from a farm in Washington State to Washington DC. Jennifer has always asked, “what is behavior change and how does communications play a role in that? “ Hence, her career has been in Communications within the government sector focused on agriculture and the environment. 

Next I interviewed Sydney Garner who grew up on a 3500 acre, generational,  conventional family grain farm that grew corn, soybeans and wheat. These products are not direct to consumer products and get a bad rap at times.  Sydney taught us about how her farm works to ensure that their farming and production doesn’t  impact the local Bays. 

Caroline Trossbach was born and raised on a 4th generation Maryland farm. She is an Agricultural development specialist supporting farm businesses in her county. We had a great discussion about the evolution of farmers markets and ultimately why farmers are turning more to agritourism. 

Lastly, I interviewed Shari Bryant. Shari’s love for horses started when she was a young girl.  Shari built a career in accounting, but she knew her life would involve horses. She launched FoxFire Farm where they do horseback trail riding paired with wine tasting at the next door vineyard…this is such a creative agritourism venture. 

Enjoy my interviews with these amazing ‘farm’ women. Clck on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast. 

#podcast #marylandfarm #marylandfarms #marylandvineyard #farmpodcast


On Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Watson
On Agri-Tourist Episode #4 we hosted Shelby Watson-Hampton, author of Grace, Grit & Lipstick and co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards.  I was heading down to a wedding in SC and my 1st stop was Maryland. I always say that I want to visit and connect in person…and I really do mean it.  I reached out to Shelby to see if she would be available to meet at her vineyard.  She was available, and so were 10 other local farm women and entrepreneurs.  Shelby created an evening of wine, charcuterie, book discussion, connection and mini podcast interviews.  Next is a series of mini podcast interviews with some inspirational farm women. 

1. First up is Susan Watson White, co-owner of Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards and Shelby’s Aunt!  During Shelby’s interview, we spoke a lot about her Aunt and the leadership role she took on at the farm when her father/Shelby’s grandfather suddenly passed away. 
2. Next up is Tasha Dickerson.  She is new to Shelby’s farm group but not new to growing.  Many will relate to her story, her desire to get into farming, and her practical thinking about how she needs to approach this passion and journey.
3. Next you will meet with Mika Palmer who grew up in farming and now is part of her husband’s hay and straw business.  We sometimes just say that someone grows hay…but we don’t  stop to think about what that really means...it’s a lot more intricate than we make it out to be.
4. Amy Crone is the next interview.  Among the many things that Amy does, she is helping to feed Americans!  The need for what she is doing and the impact of what she is doing is extraordinary! 

Enjoy my conversations with each of these amazing women and check out next week’s episode for Part II of my visit to Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards! Click the link in the bio to listen to the podcast! 

#vineyard #marylandvineyard #marylandvineyards  #farmwomen #womeninfarming #womeninbusiness #inspiringwomen #ruralwomen #podcast #farmpodcast #agpodcast #agriculturepodcast


🧄 it’s garlic scape season!
🧄 it’s garlic scape season!


The Chocolate Experience @ Berkshire Farm Sanctuar
The Chocolate Experience @ Berkshire Farm Sanctuary…select a Saturday and join us for a chocolate m/cocktail hour! Link in bio for more details and to register! 

#berkshirecounty #berkshirecountyma #farmanimalsanctuary #animalsanctuary #rescuedanimals #berkshires #chocolates #chocolatetasting #chocolatetastings #chocolatecocktails #chocolatemocktails #tastechocolate #realchocolate #realchocolates #beantobarchocolate


Shalom Farms is a nonprofit working together to bu
Shalom Farms is a nonprofit working together to build healthy communities by growing and sharing healthy food. The food they grow is distributed through their network of programs and partnerships in communities where access to healthy food is limited.

Shalom Farms is the evolution of the work of the United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond (UMUMR) which has a long history of social service work in Richmond VA. In 2009 UMUMR started a pilot project growing food on just half an acre at Westview. As the impact of the project quickly became clear, the organization decided to focus exclusively on food access work and eventually changed its name to Shalom Farms.

In 2016, they relocated their primary growing site to a larger, more accessible 12 acre farm in only 20 minutes west of Richmond. And they have since added a second five-acre site in Richmond’s Northside. This expansion has allowed them to evolve from distributing just a few thousand pounds of produce a year to local food banks, to a comprehensive range of food access programs and strategies that serve over 10,000 community members annually.

What makes Shalom Farms so unique is their focus on providing meaningful access to healthy food which is at the heart of everything they do.  So What does “meaningful access” mean?  We explore the meaning in my podcast interview with Änna Ibrahim, Executive Director of Shalom Farms. 

Anna’s diversity of career knowledge, experience, and exposure to food access and equity issues, led her to this unique role as the ED of Shalom Farms.  It was like the job was crafted just for her.  And her husband intuitively knew that as soon as he saw the job post!  Enjoy my inspiring conversation with Anna. Click on the link in the bio to listen to the podcast episode.
#foodsecurity #foodinsecurity #mobilemarket


On podcast Episode #4 I interviewed author, vineya
On podcast Episode #4 I interviewed author, vineyard owner, and farm business guru, Shelby Watson-Hampton.  I told Shelby that I wanted to visit her vineyard one day!  I have a wedding to go to in South Carolina on June 7th and Maryland was a perfect half way point to stop for the night....and it was the perfect opportunity to try to visit Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards and meet Shelby in person!  Well, we did just that, last night!  And, as Shelby said, we made it a ‘thing’ - a ‘thing’ that involved a group of amazing women that are connected to farming in some way!  We all met at the vineyard, shared a glass of delicious wine, shared some inspiring ‘farming-related’ books, and I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet and interview each of the women that attended.  This special podcast episode will launch within the next few weeks...stay tuned!! Thank you Shelby - you are an amazing connector - which is definitely evident from your book, ‘Grace, Grit & Lipstick’! 

#farmedlife #maryland #marylandvineyards #vineyardsmaryland #marylandfarms #thefarmedlife



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