CSA - Healthy basket

CSA is a universal concept deserving increased recognition and application. Equally empowering to both the community and the farmers, CSA offers solutions to common problems facing farmers and communities worldwide. “(Robyn Van En, 1992).

What is CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a relationship of mutual commitment and support between a farm, generally organic, and a community of supporters who purchase a share of the farm’s harvest at the beginning of the season. Such a commitment is of mutual benefit for the farmer as well as for the consumer. Community Supported Agriculture took shape first in Europe in the 1980s and then the concept expanded to North America. Today, more than 1,000 CSA projects exist in the world. CSA was launched in Lebanon in 2001 through an initiative from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the American University of Beirut. The program was called “Healthy Basket”.

How does CSA work?
Community members sign up and purchase their shares, either in one lump sum or in monthly installments through-out the growing season. Production expenses are thereby guaranteed and the farmer or grower starts receiving income as soon as the season begins. In return for their investment, CSA members receive a basket of fresh, locally-grown, organic produce once a week throughout the year. As crops rotate throughout the season, weekly shares vary by size and types of produce, reflecting local growing seasons and conditions.

Why Locally Grown?
People worldwide are rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. It is fresher than anything in the supermarket and that means it is tastier and more nutritious. It is also good for your local economy--buying directly from family farmers helps them stay in business.

What are the benefits of CSA?
.CSA's direct marketing gives farmers and growers the fairest return on their products.
.CSA keeps food money in the local community and contributes to the maintenance and establishment of regional food production.
.CSA encourages communication and cooperation among farmers.
With a "guaranteed market" for their produce, farmers can invest their time in doing the best job they can rather than looking for buyers.
.CSA promotes a locally based, sustainable agricultural system that preserves the environment.
.CSA develops ties between local farmers and consumers and creates opportunity for dialogue between them.
.CSA creates a sense of social responsibility and stewardship of local land and encourages the consumers to share the risks of crop production with the farmers.
.CSA ensures minimal loss and waste of harvested farm produce, little or reduced need for long-term storage, and a willingness by members to accept produce with natural imperfections.
.CSA increases understanding of how, where, and by whom our food is grown. .CSA provides high-quality organic produce to consumers.