The term “CSA” has been bandied about on Buffalo Rising.com, often leading to the discovery that many of our readers don't know what CSA stands for, or what Community Supported Agriculture (the term for which CSA is an acronym) really means. A Community Supported Agriculture farm is a cooperative business structure in which individuals purchase shares (literally a share of the harvest) per season.
This model provides the farm with the cash it needs up front in order to move ahead with the planting and care of its crops and livestock. In many cases it also assists the farmer in determining what crops to plant, based on the needs of his shareholders.
CSA members pre-purchase their subscription for a particular season, most often the “summer” season which runs from June through October, though winter shares are equally beneficial. The CSA then provides its members with a bag or box of fresh produce on a weekly basis during the peak growing season. Typically the week's shares are distributed at a specified drop-off point where members can pick them up rather than driving out to the farm. Shares mostly include vegetables and fruit but can also include meat, eggs, honey, herbs, flowers, or other farm products. Many CSA's allow for substitutions when it comes to allergies and dietary restrictions.
By pre-purchasing a season's share, members are assisting the farm in purchasing seeds, compost, irrigation, equipment, labor, etc. up front. Though members make the commitment to support the farm and share in its bounty, they also commit to share in its risks (poor weather conditions or other detrimental occurrences). The cost of a share varies from farm to farm; some offer year-round shares, seasonal shares, or even half shares. Others offer shares that are very specific, purchasing portions of a cow or pig are also popular options. Certain CSA's even offer a work share option where members work on the farm or distribution points to waive or discount share fees. New York State has recently passed legislation allowing people that receive food stamps to apply them to farm shares.
CSA farms use ecologically friendly techniques that benefit the soil and support sustainability. Most of them grow food naturally or organically, abstaining from pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. Native Offerings, one of the area's largest CSA farms perhaps said it best: “By supporting us you not only get incredibly fresh and great tasting vegetables full of nutrients and vitality, but a food source you can trust.”
There are a number of good CSA's out there. We've only been able to find two that offer drop-offs in the city, both of which are listed below. Look for an upcoming piece on CSA's in the area, those that drop off in the city and those that require you to take a trip to the farm.
Porter Farms has been family owned and operated since beginning their CSA in 1996. They've been growing Organically for 17 years. The farm is looking for another 100+ members. They have drop-off sites in Buffalo, Rochester and Grand Island. Their produce can also be found at The Lexington Co-op and at St. Joseph's University Parish at UB.
Porter Farms
5020 Edgerton Road, Elba, NY 14058
585.757.6823
http://porterfarms.org/
Native Offerings was the first CSA in Erie County and is a certified Naturally Grown farm. Run by Stew and Deb Ritchie along with their 3 young children, they offer mostly vegetables but work with other local organizations and farms to provide their members with fruit, seeds, hay, honey, butter, grain, potting mix, eggs, meat, and maple syrup. They have drop off points in Buffalo, Orchard Park, Amherst, and Williamsville.
Native Offerings
8501 Maples Road at Scotts Corner Road, Little Valley, NY 14755
716.257.3006
http://nativeofferings.com/
**Photo is an example of a single week's delivery with a summer share.