No, a CSA is not a rainbow of matching baskets full of vegetables. Aren’t they pretty, though?
CSA is common acronym that stands for Community Supported Agriculture, but it means so many things to so many people. The main purpose of any CSA is for farmers to have a more direct line to consumers in addition to the traditional roadside produce stand or farmer’s market. This idea presents itself in many different forms.
A CSA program could be…
-One farming family that enroll two dozen community members to “subscribe” to produce year round.
-An individual that sets up a network between farmers and community members. The individual organizes the program, markets the program, collects items and prepares the boxes, and makes a profit from the produce sold.
-A cooperative in which farmers and local citizens are members of a campaign to distribute local produce. This is a non-profit format that reaps benefits to all involved. A local example of this type of program is the “Sandhills Farm to Table Cooperative.” Check them out at www.sandhills.deliverybizpro.com
-A group of farmers that come together and offer a variety of produce in the form of baskets or boxes to a subscribed community members.
I am a member of two CSA programs, the Sandhills program mentioned above and the Robeson County Farmer’s Market CSA. On July 2, 2014, I was able to spend time with the manager of the Robeson CSA, Ann Marie Hatcher, in order to understand the “behind-the-scenes” operation of a CSA.
The Robeson County Farmer’s Market CSA Program is a unique blend of other CSA programs. First, farmers in Robeson County must become annual members of the Robeson County Farmer’s Market (let’s call it RCFM because who doesn’t love acronyms?!). This allows them to sell at the market in Lumberton, NC any time of the week throughout the growing season. Advertised market times are Wednesday from 9am-Noon and Saturdays from 7am-Noon. In order to become members, they must be certified by the RCFM board of a local extension agent. The certification simply shows tha the farmers lives in Robeson County and is growing the actual produce that they wish to sell. This is an important regulation that many “farmer’s markets” do not use. The RCFM board is comprised of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Mrs. Hatcher, who organizes the CSA program, is the RCFM Board Secretary. There is also a market manager that takes care of the market grounds and is paid a stipend by the Robeson Extension Office.
Once the farmer’s are members of the market, they have the opportunity to provide produce for the CSA program. Local citizens are encouraged to sign up for the CSA and there is an application process for each “growing season” throughout the year. Mrs. Hatcher receives a very small percentage of the sales in order to manage and organize the CSA.
The RCFM CSA members can purchase weekly boxes that contain produce ($65 a session), beef ($70 a session), or egg ($11 a session) shares produced in Robeson County. This CSA is the CHEAPEST and BEST QUALITY program I have ever seen. The all-natural, antibiotic-free beef is supplied by Moore Brother’s Farm. It is absolutely delicious!
This year, there are over 40 different CSA members and they can pick up at two locations. Members receive a list of their produce sources. This promotes the local farmers and encourages sales at their own farms. Volunteers help to pack each box before pick-up times on Wednesdays.
This RCFM CSA program is testament to the passion and work ethic of our local farmers and the support of the community. CSA programs are benefit to everyone involved. Join one today!