what is a csa?
Another question I’ve heard a lot so i’m answering it. Basically, subscribing to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is like subscribing to a farm’s harvest. Each week you get a delivery (or pickup) of whatever is in season. There are CSAs to join all over the country, probably in every city (maybe?) (check: LocalHarvest — although just because your city doesn’t have a listing that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Ask at farmer’s markets, check Craigslist, etc). Many farms that have CSAs will also provide you with fresh eggs and/or meat for additional price.
In Cincinnati the cost seems to be between $400 and $650 for a season that runs 22-28 weeks. Enright Ecovillage is currently in process of starting our own CSA…it might be the first/only urban CSA in Cincinnati. Instead of the usual farmland we’ll be using plots of land on various neighborhood properties. Totally amazing opportunity!
My family subscribed to a CSA when I was a kid and each week was like getting a gift…we were never sure what would be in the delivery but we always knew it would be good. Strawberries, tomatoes, corn, herbs…and often unexpected or more unusual vegetables like tatsoi or black radishes.
For a more detailed description you might want to check: the USDA Library
