Things to consider in setting up a CSA
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Tuesday November 03 2009
Farmer's interested in setting up a CSA in their local community might be a bit mystified about where to start.
CSAs are like a farming club for consumers, and like all clubs the first priority is to find members. Local networking is an essential step. One of the ways is to approach local groups representing people who might be interested.
Local health food stores, or organic sellers, are one potential outlet to advertise a CSA project, as are local environmental groups. Allotment holders, too, might be interested in securing field scale crops.
Transition Towns are a very good resource. The Transition Towns concept aims to prepare people for life after oil production peaks. Peak oil will mean rapidly rising oil prices, and sourcing locally produced food is an important strategy to cope with this. Transition Towns in Ireland can be contacted through Transition Towns Ireland and Northern Ireland (http://transitiontowns.org/).
Other groups include the Irish Countrywomen's Association, or any other local organisation that might include people who want to support the local economy or who care about where their food comes from and how it is produced.
Once potential members are found, the price, crops, cultivation methods and acreage are all up for negotiation.
But it is vital that the rights and responsibilities of the farmer and shareholders are established at the start, and that means considering all the factors that take the food from seed to fork.
The farmer might decide to raise oats, but it will be essential to locate a dehuller if the members expect to make porridge. Threshers will have to be available for other grains, and possibly milling.
Storage might be an issue where crops are delivered in a big batch. Butchering will have to be considered if animals are part of the mix. Delivery and packing will also need to be considered.
Like a club, the CSA will need a structure, with roles such as secretary and treasurer. It means less organising for the farmer and it gives members a greater sense of connection with the CSA and the farm. CSA members will probably want to visit the farm from time to time, to see how it all works, and this is a great opportunity to teach consumers about the reality of farming. They may also be willing to help with the work, and they might want advice about their own crops.
It might sound daunting, but the hardest part is the start up. Once a relationship starts to develop between consumer and producer, things become much easier.
It is vital to work hard to make the CSA a success in the first year. Like all clubs, it is worthwhile organising parties for harvest, or threshing day, to build up a relationship.
The pay-off is a closed market, more regular income and better prices.
Irish Independent
