Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an economic model of community farming. In CSAs, consumers purchase a share of the farm that aids in funding the farm’s development. From seeds to pesticides, consumers are directly funding the growth of produce they will receive.
The United States has an estimated 4,000 CSA farms, and the number is only growing. CSAs allow farmers to have a consistent and secure market for their products, and consumers to access quality produce. CSAs cut out the middleman so that consumers can build a relationship with farmers and know exactly what they are eating. With a CSA membership, you will always have access to unique and varied ingredients. This model makes way for improved community health both physically and mentally. Learn more here.
CSAs also decrease the steps and time it takes for food to go from farm to table. As a result of this, carbon emissions caused by food transport are cut by significant amounts. Alongside this, farms are typically within a short distance from the homes their products will end up in. This means it isn’t very difficult for the consumer to find out the conditions their food is grown in. CSAs support a system that ensures the land, farmer and consumer are fairly treated throughout the entire production process.
In purchasing a farm share, consumers will receive seasonal produce. Costs to participate in CSA vary between farm, produce, and size of share. Typically, payments are made in two ways: Lump sum at the beginning of the growing season, or gradual installments throughout. The overall cost typically ranges from $400-$700. The average package from your local CSA will typically be both seasonal and native organic produce. However, some CSAs even offer eggs, dairy, meat, and other goods. Despite the differences in what is offered between each farm, all CSAs share one key value: growing high-quality food.
The Kentucky Farm Share Coalition (KFSC) is an organization that helps Kentucky-based farmers increase both production and profit while maintaining only the highest quality crops. With the help of the KFSC, Louisville City boasts upwards of 34 CSAs. The two largest and most prominent are Elmwood Farm in Georgetown and Rootbound Farm in Oldham County.
Elmwood offers a variety of organic veggies, meats, and eggs. They also offer a variety of packages delivered biweekly, with their cheapest “mini-package” of veggies for $275. This cost covers the package for 10 weeks. Elmwood states that delivery cost varies by delivery location. You can, mostly, expect your package to arrive every other Friday. As well as their delivery service, you may opt to pick up your package at a variety of distribution centers.
Rootbound also offers a mix of goods. From organic meats to eggs, and large packages of veggies. Rootbound offers a weekly delivery of produce, with their smallest package of 5-7 items beginning at $27/weekly. Rootbound only offers weekly delivery on eggs and produce. However, on their meat share, they offer monthly delivery or a large range of pick-up locations across the city and beyond.
All of Kentucky’s partner farms work together to ensure residents will always have somewhere available to get fresh quality produce. CSAs improve the lives of many, from the farmers who can make a living through their products to consumers who can enjoy quality food.
