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Community
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TO YOUR DOOR Derek Roller of Echollective greets the public at Iowa City's annual CSA Fair.
n a gloomy, rainy day that conjured thoughts of blankets and hot cups of tea rather than digging in the dirt outside, a group of farmers assembled in Iowa City to sow the seeds of knowledge. The Ninth Annual Iowa City Area Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair was held on Feb. 10 at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center and served as the soapbox from which local farmers could spread the good word about who they are, what they do and how we can all help each other lead healthier, more connected lives. The concept of community-supported agriculture first took root in Japan in the 1960s, where it was referred to as teikei. Literally translated, teikei means “partnership” (though it’s relevant to note that a more philosophical translation can also mean "food with the farmer's face”). The movement gained popularity throughout Europe in the 1970s and early ‘80s and was eventually brought to North America in 1984 by Jan Vander Tuin, a community organizer and bicycle designer. Since then, the idea of the CSA has blossomed into an international movement centered around the ideals of education, good health and community.
The basic premise of a CSA is this: Patrons become members of a CSA by purchasing a share of a farm. In return for paid membership, they receive a weekly box of fresh food straight from their local farmer. The mutual advantages to this are countless but the most obvious benefit is, perhaps, reassurance. Not only does a CSA membership guarantee fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey and occasionally meat and dairy products to the consumer, but it also insures that farmers are able to support both the community and themselves. “CSAs create a stable market for the food that farmers produce,” said Pete Flynn and Shanti Sellz, both of Muddy Miss Farms. “For the farmer, this greatly reduces the pressure of having to sell food and provides the farmer with more time and energy to devote to growing the food.” So, with piles of produce readily available at the local supermarket, why join a CSA? Pam Feb. 20-Mar. 6 2013 | Little Village
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