The power of community-supported agriculture

It’s no secret that agriculture is a centerpiece of Tompkins County. Approximately one-third of land in the county is dedicated to farming, and the local economy receives about $50 million annually from agriculture. Ithaca itself has a small but mighty farming community that stretches across many agricultural facets, from agroforestry to livestock to vineyards and orchards. The prominence of farming within this region, along with it’s cultural values of sustainability and tight-knit food systems, creates a rich environment for CSAs to thrive.

What exactly is a CSA? CSA stands for community-supported agriculture, also known as cropsharing. This system effects both production and marketing, allowing for consumers to buy a share of a farmer’s harvest and receive a fresh weekly bounty in return. While this is often vegetables, consumers may receive other items like meat, flowers, and herbs — it all depends on what the farmer harvests and decides what goes into the CSA.

CSAs create a direct producer-to-consumer link that strengthens and personalizes food systems. This creates an agricultural community where consumers and farmers are reliant on each other, aiding in agricultural transparency and minimizing losses for farmers. CSAs can both support local producers and help reduce food insecurity, steadily supplying fresh, nutritious food to low-income members of the community at more affordable prices. 

CSAs in the area

CSAs are prevalent in Tompkins County, with many local farms using this model to fund their own harvests and provide for their surrounding communities. Here are some CSAs you can join for this upcoming season or in the future:

The Full Plate Farm Collective partners with local farms like Stick & Stone Farm to create CSAs for both winter and summer. They offer options to create your own bundle or receive the Farmer’s choice, and offer subsidized pricing with options to pay in full or incrementally.

Sign-ups for West Haven Farm’s Summer 2024 CSA are currently open, with weekly vegetable packages available from the last week of May to the first week of November for those who sign up. They have also recently opened a fruit CSA. CSA members can choose between two sizes to ensure limited food waste and adequate portions.

Bluebird Dream Farm offers a CSA option for the holidays, operating between August and December to deliver locally-grown, organic turkeys to those who sign up. This differs from the usual vegetable CSA packages.

There is no shortage of CSAs in and around Ithaca and Tompkins County. Websites like LocalHarvest.org and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s CSA directory provide extensive access to both new and established local CSAs for those who are interested. So, would you join a CSA?