Compiled by: Suzanne DeMuth Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
Information Research Services Branch
National Agricultural Library
Agricultural Research Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
September 1993
NOTE: Visit our new (2008) Community Supported Agriculture Web Site to learn more about CSA. Resources include a state-by-state CSA farm listing, related organizations, bibliographic references, related Web Sites, research projects, and competitive grants for farmers and ranchers.
National Agricultural Library Cataloging Record
DeMuth, Suzanne
Community supported agriculture (CSA) : an annotated bibliography and resource guide.
(Agri-topics ; 93-02)
1. Alternative agriculture--Bibliography. I. Title.
aZ5073.A37 no.93-02
Introduction
“Since our existence is primarily dependent on farming, we cannot
entrust this essential activity solely to the farming population--
just 2% of Americans. As farming becomes more and more remote from
the life of the average person, it becomes less and less able to
provide us with clean, healthy, lifegiving food or a clean,
healthy, lifegiving environment. A small minority of farmers,
laden with debt and overburdened with responsibility, cannot
possibly meet the needs of all the people. More and more people
are coming to recognize this, and they are becoming ready to share
agricultural responsibilities with the active farmers.” (1)
Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a new idea in farming, one
that has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United
States from Europe in the mid-1980s. The CSA concept originated in
the 1960s in Switzerland and Japan, where consumers interested in
safe food and farmers seeking stable markets for their crops joined
together in economic partnerships. Today, CSA farms in the U.S.,
known as CSAs, currently number more than 400. Most are located
near urban centers in New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and the
Great Lakes region, with growing numbers in other areas, including
the West Coast.
In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who
pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes,
either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the
growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the
risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or
“share-holders” of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover
the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary.
In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the
growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to
the land and participating directly in food production. Members
also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to
unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community
members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in
advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some
financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of
marketing.
Although CSAs take many forms, all have at their center a shared
commitment to building a more local and equitable agricultural
system, one that allows growers to focus on land stewardship and
still maintain productive and profitable small farms. As stated by
Robyn Van En, a leading CSA advocate, "...the main goal...of these
community supported projects is to develop participating farms to
their highest ecologic potential and to develop a network that will
encourage and allow other farms to become involved." (2) CSA
farmers typically use organic or biodynamic farming methods, and
strive to provide fresh, high-quality foods. More people
participate in the farming operation than on conventional farms,
and some projects encourage members to work on the farm in exchange
for a portion of the membership costs.
----------------------------------
(1) Trauger M. Groh and Steven S.H. McFadden, Farms of Tomorrow.
Community Supported Farms, Farm Supported Communities. Kimberton,
PA: Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association, 1990. [p. 6]
(2) Robyn Van En, Basic Formula to Create Community Supported
Agriculture. Great Barrington, MA, 1992. Summary [p. 57].
Most CSAs offer a diversity of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in
season; some provide a full array of farm produce, including shares
in eggs, meat, milk, baked goods, and even firewood. Some farms
offer a single commodity, or team up with others so that members
receive goods on a more nearly year-round basis. Some are
dedicated to serving particular community needs, such as helping to
enfranchise homeless persons. Each CSA is structured to meet the
needs of the participants, so many variations exist, including the
level of financial commitment and active participation by the
shareholders; financing, land ownership, and legal form of the farm
operation; and details of payment plans and food distribution
systems.
CSA is sometimes known as “subscription farming,” and the two terms
have been used on occasion to convey the same basic principles. In
other cases, however, use of the latter term is intended to convey
philosophic and practical differences in a given farm operation.
Subscription farming (or marketing) arrangements tend to emphasize
the economic benefits, for the farmer as well as consumer, of a
guaranteed, direct market for farm products, rather than the con-
cept of community-building that is the basis of a true CSA. Growers
typically contract directly with customers, who may be called
“members,” and who have agreed in advance to buy a minimum amount
of produce at a fixed price, but who have little or no investment
in the farm itself. An example of one kind of subscription farm,
which predates the first CSAs in this country, is the cli-entele
membership club. According to this plan, which was promoted by
Booker Whatley in the early 1980's, a grower could maintain small
farm profits by selling low cost memberships to customers who then
were allowed to harvest crops at below-market prices.
Following is a selection of writings that document the CSA movement
in the U.S. Most of these publications are contained in the
collections of the National Agricultural Library (NAL), as
indicated by an NAL call number. To obtain these materials, see
attached “Document Delivery Services to Individuals.” Sources are
offered, when known, for some publications that are not owned by
NAL. Additional resources for information about CSAs are also
included in this bibliography.
Anonymous. "Alternative marketing: subscription farming."
CERTIFIED ORGANIC 2(2): 3-5 (January/February 1991).
Briefly profiles the creation and operation of Common Harvest
Farm in Minnesota. Grower Dan Guenthner received a
sustainable agriculture demonstration grant to study
subscription farming as a marketing alternative. (See also
article in GREENBOOK '92, cited elsewhere in this bibliography,
about this project.)
Anonymous. "CSA--A fresh idea for fresh food!" WISCONSIN RURAL
DEVELOPMENT CENTER 10(2): 5 (May/June 1993).
Reports briefly on the formation of the Madison Area Community
Supported Agriculture Coalition (MACSAC). Includes contact
information for Madison area CSAs.
Anonymous. "CSA study circle reports recommendations."" MFA DIGEST
[Quarterly Journal of the Minnesota Food Association] 7(1): 6
(April 1993).
Reports on the activities of a study group
concerned with the viability of CSA in the upper Midwest.
Their findings and recommendations are documented in a 10-page
report available from MFA (see address below).
Anonymous. "CSA provides alternative for buying produce."
ARKANSAS-OKLAHOMA SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE (AOSA) NETWORK, p. 12
(August 1991).
Offers a brief description of CSA concept and operation, with
contact information for 2 Michigan CSAs.
Anonymous. "Caretaker steps to sustainability." MANNA [NEWSLETTER
OF THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE] 8(2):
4 (Summer 1991).
The grower for Caretaker Farm, one of the
oldest certified organic farms in Massachusetts, cites reasons
for the farm's conversion to CSA.
NAL Call No.: S494.5S86M3
Anonymous. "Common Harvest Community Farm
[project title]." In: GREENBOOK '92. St Paul, MN: Minnesota
Department of Agriculture, Energy and Sustainable Agriculture
Program, 1992. pp. 66-67.
Describes the operation of a subscription farm in Minnesota
that was funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Includes basic marketing concept and highlights from 1990 and
1991, plus contact information.
NAL Call No.: S494.5.S86M56 1992
Anonymous. "Community supported agriculture. Steve
and Gloria Decater." SMALL FARM NEWS, pp. 6-7, 10 (July/August
1992).
The Decaters' biodynamically-based approach to CSA in
Mendocino County, California is profiled. Includes excerpt
from the farm's prospectus to shareholders and contact
information. NAL Call No.: HD1476.U52C27
Anonymous. "Gardening by community support." OHIO ECOLOGIC FOOD
AND FARM ASSOCIATION NEWS 11(1): 3-4 (Winter 1991).
Profiles the first year of operation for a biodynamic CSA
project in northeast Ohio.
Anonymous. "LSP project promotes community supported
agriculture in Minnesota." THE LAND STEWARDSHIP LETTER 10(2): 1-2
(Spring 1992).
Describes the growing interest in CSA in the Twin Cities area,
with active support from the Land Stewardship Project's Metro
Farm Program and other agricultural organizations.
NAL Call No.: HD1485.L25L25
Anonymous. "Sustainable agriculture and the
marketing of farm products." KERR CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE (KCSA) NEWSLETTER 18(4): 1,4 (April 1992).
Discusses subscription farming and CSA as a means to benefit
farmers, consumers, and society. Provides examples of
existing projects and an overview of the multitude of
marketing arrangements that allow consumers to share in the
risks of farming. Includes brief bibliography.
NAL Call No.: S494.5.S86N39
Berry, Wendell. "The agricultural crisis as a crisis of culture."
In: THE UNSETTLING OF AMERICA: CULTURE AND AGRICULTURE. San
Francisco, CA: Sierra Club Books, 1977.
Berry explores the connection between the modernization of
agricultural techniques and the disintegration of the culture
and communities of farming.
NAL Call No.: HD1761.B47
Bourne, Joel. "The Plowboy interview: Robyn Van En." MOTHER EARTH
NEWS No. 127: 60-63 (August/September 1991).
"Mother" talks with Robyn Van En, co-founder of Indian Line
Farm CSA in Massachusetts, about CSA as a model for a more
sustainable form of food production that supports local
growers.
NAL Call No.: AP2.M6
Bowman, Greg. "Farms for members only: where consumers foot the
bill--and share the risk." THE NEW FARM 13(1): 16-19 (January
1991).
Describes the philosophy of CSA and its beginnings in Europe,
Japan, and the U.S. Focuses on the operation of the Mahaiwe
Harvest CSA in Housatonic, Massachusetts, as well as five CSA
projects in Arkansas, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey and
New York. Includes contact information for each farm.
NAL Call No.: S1.N32
Cicero, Karen. "These farmers have customers who care." THE NEW
FARM 15(5): 18-22 (July/August 1993).
Provides an overview of the CSA concept, practical aspects of
operation, and a CSA vision for the future. Participants
stress the importance of community building in a successful
CSA venture. Offers suggestions for satisfying shareholders
and generating repeat business.
NAL Call No.: S1.N32
Clunies-Ross, Tracey and Nicholas Hildyard. "The politics of
industrial agriculture." THE ECOLOGIST 22(2): 65-71.
Discusses the political and economic forces that have
pressured farmers to adopt intensive chemical practices,
citing CSA as one approach to promote sustainable agricultural
initiatives.
NAL Call No.: QH540.N38
Cook, Jack. "Farm fresh." HARROWSMITH COUNTY LIFE 5(27): 52-57
(May/June 1990).
NOTE: This article is also reprinted as
"Consumers are getting healthy produce direct from the field by
becoming partners with the farmers who feed them" in NATURAL FOOD
" FARMING 37(10): 17-20,34 (November/December 1991).
An
informative article that describes the genesis and operation of a
CSA farm in upstate New York. Provides an overview of CSA
history in the U.S., its philosophy, and variations in
practice among several groups. Includes a list of 13 CSAs in
9 states and how each can be contacted.
NAL Call No.: S522.U5H37
DeVault, George. "Too much of a good thing: subscription farming
soured other successful enterprises." THE NEW FARM 13(1): 14-15
(January 1991).
This article describes the experience of an
organic grower in California who found that adding a
subscription farming operation was detrimental to his other
successful farming and marketing enterprises.
NAL Call No.: S1.N32
Duncan, Sally. "Produce by subscription." ORGANIC GARDENING
31(4): 44,46 (April 1984).
Organic grower in Oregon tells how she came to the idea of
subscription farming as a means to market surplus produce, and
how her operation works.
NAL Call No.: 57.8 OR32
Groh, Trauger (and others). "The Temple-Wilton Community Farm.
Excerpts from their newsletter--1986-1990." BIODYNAMICS No. 176:
37-53 (Fall 1990).
Documents genesis of the CSA concept and
initial planning stages for the first CSA effort in the U.S.
Includes discussion of organizational aspects, finances, and
initial progress.
NAL Call No.: 56.8 B52
Guenthner, Dan. "Community supported agriculture is
good for the farmer, good for the consumer." THE LAND STEWARDSHIP
LETTER 10(2): 2-3 (Spring 1992).
By the grower of Common
Harvest Farm in Minnesota, this article outlines the concept,
history, benefits, and challenges of CSA. Common Harvest Farm
is the subject of an article in GREENBOOK '92, cited elsewhere in
this bibliography.
NAL Call No.: HD1485.L25L25
Lawson, Jered. "Cabbages and compassion. Community supported
homeless farming." RAIN MAGAZINE 14(3): 2-9 (Spring 1993).
A narrative by the CSA Coordinator for the Homeless Garden
Project in Santa Cruz, California, in operation since 1990.
The Project provides work and community support for homeless
persons in Santa Cruz, who grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs
organically on a 2.5 acre urban lot.
Provides an important
social and economic model towards revitalizing urban
neighborhoods and marginalized people. Includes a list of
resources and advocacy information concerning the homeless,
and CSA.
McFadden, Steven S.H. "The farm of tomorrow: reconnecting people
with the earth." NATURAL FOOD " FARMING 37(10): 15-16
(November/December 1991).
Author discusses the workings of CSA
farms and offers them as one solution to the environmental,
economic, and cultural inadequacies associated with mainstream
agriculture and current food distribution systems. Article is
adapted from FARMS OF TOMORROW by T. Groh and S. McFadden, cited
elsewhere in this bibliography.
NAL Call No.: 389.8 N218
Schonbeck, Mark. "CSA working group At SAWG Conference--A summary
of notes taken by Mark Schonbeck." VIRGINIA BIOLOGICAL FARMER
16(3): 16-17 (Spring 1993).
Consists of the author's report
on CSA workshops held at the Southern Sustainable Agriculture
Working Group (SAWG) Conference in January 1993. Includes CSA
growers' comments on attracting shareholders, economic
sustainability issues, garden planning, and CSA advantages and
challenges. Good advice from experienced CSA participants.
NAL Call No.: S605.5 V47
Schrupp, Karen and Terry Gips. "Community supported agriculture:
connecting farmers and consumers." MANNA [NEWSLETTER OF THE
INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE 8(2): 1,4
(Summer 1991)
Focuses on CSA beginnings in the 1970s, including Swiss
consumer organizations and Japanese buying clubs known as
"teikei." Describes briefly several U.S. farms, and includes
Japanese contact information.
NOTE: This issue also contains a review of FARMS OF TOMORROW
by T. Groh and S. McFadden (p. 4), cited elsewhere in this
bibliography.
NAL Call No.: S494.5.S86M3
Stone, Pat. "Hoes for hire. Community supported agriculture."
MOTHER EARTH NEWS No. 114: 54-59 (November/December 1988).
Article describes the experiences of Barbara and Kerry
Kimberton, founders of the Kimberton CSA in Pennsylvania.
Includes their farming philosophy and details of their
operation, with mention of successes as well as failures.
NAL Call No.: AP2.M6
VanderTuin, Jan. "Community supported agriculture." BIODYNAMICS
No. 163: 58-64 (Summer 1987).
One of the leading advocates of CSA in the U.S. discusses the
CSA concept of farm and community support in promoting
ecologic and economic health. He describes the early history
of the CSA project at Indian Line Farm in The Berkshires of
Massachusetts.
NAL Call No.: 56.8 B52
VanderTuin, Jan. "Vegetables for all." ORGANIC GARDENING 34(9):
72, 75-78 (September. 1987).
CSA philosophy is promoted by one of the first CSA organizers
in the U.S. Includes description of the first projects in
this country, and basic considerations in starting a new CSA.
NAL Call No.: S605.5.R64
Hall, Trish. "Produce Grown to Order in Berkshires." NEW YORK
TIMES, September 30, 1987.
Focuses on a CSA farm in South Egremont, Massachusetts--one of
the first CSA projects in the U.S.--two years into its
operation as a pioneering farm venture.
Hanson, Cynthia B. "Farm support strategy takes root." CHRISTIAN
SCIENCE MONITOR [Boston, MA] 82(248): 12-13 (November 20, 1990).
Discusses the growing interest in CSA and various projects in
New England. Advocates cite advantages in terms of farm and
community support and consumer gains.
Schneider, Keith, "Small Farms Sell Shares in a Way of Life." NEW
YORK TIMES, October 31, 1992.
Traces the development and working concept of CSAs in the
U.S., particularly in New England. Focuses on the history of
Brookfield Farm in South Amherst, Massachusetts, a CSA farm
since 1987.
Sugarman, Carole. "Share the land: an innovative way to shoulder
the burden and save the family farm." THE WASHINGTON POST, May 15,
1991. pp. E1, E4.
Provides an overview of CSA philosophy and
practice, with focus on several CSA projects near Washington,
D.C. Includes contact information.
BACKYARD MARKET GARDENING: THE ENTREPRENEUR'S GUIDE TO SELLING
WHAT YOU GROW. Andrew W. Lee; foreward by Jim Hightower;
introduced by George DeVault. Bur-lington, VT: Good Earth
Publications, 1993. 351 pp.
The author details evolution of his successful market garden
and discusses the importance of developing localized food
production systems. Offers advice on cultivation methods,
tools and equipment, and other important considerations, as
well as the perspectives of other successful market gardeners.
The bulk of this informative guide focuses on marketing
strategies, including community supported farms and other forms of
direct marketing.
NAL Call No.: IPM930330725 (in process)
1992 BASIC FORMULA TO CREATE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE.
Robyn Van En. Great Barrington, MA, 1992. [59 pp.]
The author, co-founder of one of the first CSAs in the U.S.,
has written a workbook that provides details on starting and
operating a CSA. Includes discussion of advantages and
disadvantages, and information concerning outreach, budgets,
and working documents, as well as a resource guide and a
comprehensive bibliography of articles about the CSA movement.
NOTE: This book can also be obtained from CSA of North
America and the Farming Alternatives Program of Cornell
University (addresses follow).
NAL Call No.: HD9225.A2V35
CSA'S. COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE: AN
ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISE GUIDEBOOK. Harlem Valley Planning
Partnership. Fairfield, VT: Yellow Wood Associates, 1991. [20 pp.]
A useful guidebook providing an overview of CSA, including
organization and costs. Includes examples of current
projects, sample budgets and harvest schedules, and a CSA
bibliography.
NAL Call No.: HD1491.A3C82 1991
1990 FARMS OF TOMORROW. COMMUNITY SUPPORTED FARMS, FARM SUPPORTED
COMMUNITIES. Trauger M. Groh and Steven S.H. McFadden.
Kimberton, PA: Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association,
1990. 169 pp.
An in-depth guide to CSA as a new approach to farming that
offers numerous positive societal benefits. In Part I,
Trauger Groh examines the farming crisis, the promise of new
CSA farms, and outlines 10 basic steps towards the farms of
tomorrow, relying heavily on bio-dynamic farming concepts.
Part II, by Steven McFadden, offers examples of the workings of
seven CSA farms and communities that have embraced this
approach in a variety of ways. Appendices include excerpts
from the newsletter of early years of the Temple-Wilton
Community Farm, sample farm budgets and harvest schedules,
contact information for the CSAs profiled in book, and
additional financial and informational resources.
NAL Call No.: S589.7.G76
HOW TO MAKE $100,000 FARMING 25 ACRES. Booker T. Whatley and the
editors of THE NEW FARM. (alternate title: BOOKER T. WHATLEY'S
HANDBOOK ON HOW TO MAKE $100,000 FARMING 25 ACRES). Emmaus, PA:
The Regenerative Agriculture Association (Rodale Institute), 1987.
180 pp.
The author, a renowned horticulturist from the Tuskegee
Institute, offers his 10-point plan for solving market and
labor problems to make small farms profitable. Includes
practical advice on farm equipment, growing high value crops,
and marketing. Chapter 3 tells how to create a clientele
membership club to build a guaranteed market.
NAL Call No.: S501.2.W47
MARKET WHAT YOU GROW. Ralph J. Hils, Jr. Atlanta, GA: Chicot
Press, 1989. 51 pp.
For small growers, provides an overview of seven direct
marketing alternatives, including the clientele membership
club (or Whatley plan) and community supported agriculture.
NAL Call No.: HD9000.5.H54
Jered Lawson, CSA Coordinator of the Homeless Garden Project in
Santa Cruz, California, has made an academic study of CSA theory
and practice, and assembled 2 CSA readers; these publications are
described below.
To obtain these materials, or to learn more about
the Homeless Garden Project, contact the author at 518 Meder St.,
Santa Cruz, CA 95061, (408) 425-7232.
1992 SENIOR THESIS. COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE. 105 pp.
A study of the history of the CSA model, CSA theory and practice,
and how existing CSA farms conform to the goals and definition
of sustainable agriculture.
Includes also a case study of the
Homeless Garden Project's CSA start-up.
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE READER. 416 pp.
Contains media-generated reports, newsletters, and booklets on
the CSA movement, as well as CSA farm documents.
THE HARVEST TIMES
Amos and Melody Newcombe, editors
P.O. Box 27
Mount Tremper, NY 12457
(914) 688-5030
An international newsletter on CSAs, issued quarterly.
Contact the editors for subscription information.
The following is a partial list of sustainable farming groups that
can provide information about CSAs and networks operating in their
areas. Contact them for more information.
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA)
Contact: Marjorie Bender, Executive Director
115 W. Main
Carrboro, NC 27510
(919) 968-1030
Land Stewardship Project
Contact: Peg McNamara
14758 Ostlund Trail North
Marine, MN 55047
(612) 433-2770
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners
Association (MOFGA)
P.O. Box 2176
Augusta, ME 04338
(207) 622-3118
Minnesota Food Association
2395 University Ave, Rm 309
Saint Paul, MN 55114
(612) 644-2038
Natural Organic Farmers Association - New Jersey (NOFA-NJ)
31 Titus Mill Rd
Pennington, NJ 08534
(609) 737-6848
Wisconsin Rural Development Center
1406 Business Highway 18-151 East
Mount Horeb, WI 53572
(608) 437-5971
The following publications contain additional contact information
for agricultural resource groups, as well as publications dealing
with sustainable agriculture. A number of the sources listed are
active in CSA and can support efforts to set up local projects, or
may be able to provide specific information on regional activities:
HEALTHY HARVEST. A GLOBAL DIRECTORY OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL
AND HORTICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS 1992. Healthy Harvest Society.
Davis, CA: AgAccess, 1992. 194 pp.
A comprehensive, informative, international directory listing
some 1400 entries "for and about people interested in
preserving and expanding resource-enhancing, spirit
fulfilling, and economically feasible food production and
distribution."" Entries are listed alphabetically and indexed
by subject and geographic area. Several CSAs in the U.S. are
listed, as well as numerous organizations and conferences concerned
with sustainable agriculture issues.
NAL Call No.: S605.5 H43
SHOWCASE OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE INFORMATION & EDUCATIONAL
MATERIALS. Sustainable Agriculture Network. Davis, CA:
University of California, Sustainable Agriculture Research and
Education Program, 1992. 63 pp.
A booklet providing
information on publications on sustainable agricultural issues
and practices, assembled from 67 sources in research, education,
business, and non-profits. Cross-indexed by title, author, and
contributing organization. Includes contact information for
many of the organizations mentioned in this bibliography.
NAL Call No. in process
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAM DIRECTORY 1992.
Washington, D.C: The American Farmland Trust, 1992. 70 pp.
A comprehensive listing of state, regional, national, and
international sustainable agriculture initiatives.
NAL Call No.: S494.5.S86S875 1992
1991 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION DIRECTORY,
MINNESOTA 1991. Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Energy and
Sustainable Agriculture Program, 1991. 26 pp.
Includes sustainable agriculture organizations inside and
outside Minnesota, plus research and demonstration grants, and
resources.
NAL Call No.: 494.5.S86S97
Gates, Jane P. PERIODICALS PERTAINING TO ALTERNATIVE FARMING
SYSTEMS. Beltsville, MD: National Agricultural Library, February
1993. 22 pp.
An AFSIC publication that provides an extensive
listing of journals and newsletters concerned with sustainable
agriculture, including a number that served as sources for the
articles and other information on CSA included herein.
NAL Call No.: IPM930406940 (in process)
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT VEGETABLES. Produced by Downtown Productions
and Jan Vandertuin for the Community Supported Agricultural Project
(CSA) in South Egremont, MA. 1986. (18 min.)
A broadcast quality video introducing the community supported
farms concept through interviews with the original founders
and participants of the CSA Project in South Egremont. A
useful organizing tool that can be obtained from CSA of North
America (address follows) or Downtown Productions, 22 Railroad
St., Great Barrington, MA 01230, (413) 528-9395.
Following is a selection of national and regional agricultural
organizations that have recently offered, or who are planning,
conferences or workshops on CSA. Consult other sources in this
bibliography for contact information, and for additional sponsors.
"Eighth Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference: Building
Sustainable Communities," (Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
(CFSA)) Raleigh, North Carolina, November 12-14, 1993. Contact CFSA
(919) 968-1030.
"Farming for the Future" [Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable
Agriculture (PASA) Annual Conference], University Park,
Pennsylvania, February 5-6, 1993.
1993 National Direct Marketing Conference, Portland, Oregon,
January 28-30, 1993. [Reported in SMALL FARM NEWS,
November/December 1992.]
Ninth Annual California Farm Conference, Santa Rosa, California,
February 7-9, 1992. [Reported in SMALL FARM NEWS November/December
1992.]
Pennsylvania Community Supported Agriculture Workshop, co-sponsored
by Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA),
Rodale Institute, and Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening
Association. Scheduled for November 6, 1993 in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania. For further information, contact the PASA office at
(814) 349-9856, or P.O. Box 316, Millheim, PA 16854.
The Bio-Dynamic Association also holds an annual CSA conference,
more national in scope, in January of each year.
Additional CSA Resources: Individuals and Organizations
ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas)
P.O. Box 3657
Fayetteville, AR 72702
1-800-346-9140
ATTRA is a national sustainable agriculture information center
offering technical assistance and information to commercial
farmers, extension agents, agricultural support groups,
researchers, and educators. They provide an array of resource
materials, including specific information concerning CSA and
other forms of direct marketing--contact them for details.
Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association
P.O. Box 550
Kimberton, PA 19442
(215) 935-7797
FAX (215) 983-3196
The Association serves as an advisory and networking group for
all aspects of community farms. They offer a listing of
existing CSA farms in the U.S. and Canada, and a 10-page
brochure that provides an introduction to CSA. They also
sponsor an annual conference on CSA.
CSANA (Community Supported Agriculture of North America)
c/o WTIG, 818 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 785-5135
CSANA is a non-profit organization supporting CSAs in the U.S.
and Canada. They offer a directory of CSA farms, a newsletter
and other publications, as well as networking services for
linking aspiring CSA growers and shareholders. Contact them
for further details of their services.
Farming Alternatives Program
Dept. of Rural Sociology
Warren Hall
New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-9832
This organization, which also publishes FARMING ALTERNATIVES
NEWSLETTER, offers a 24-page information packet on CSA that
includes articles, references, and networking resources.
Note: A number of the articles and references in the CSA
information packet are duplicated in this bibliography.
Their list of publications for sale includes Robyn Van En's
workbook, BASIC FORMULA TO CREATE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE,
mentioned elsewhere in this bibliography.
Robyn Van En
Indian Line Farm CSA
RR3, Box 85, Jug End Rd.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(413) 528-4374
Ms. Van En, who is a pioneer in the CSA movement in this
country, has written a guidebook for setting up CSA projects,
and produced a video, both of which are described above. She
also is co-director of CSA of North America.
