The popularity of community-supported agriculture (CSA) is growing as Calgarians look for new ways to connect more directly with (and more directly support) the source of their food. A recent CSA information night at the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association that included talks from local CSA farmers and a screening of The Real Dirt on Farmer John (a documentary on one of the first and largest CSA farms in North America) was so crowded it was standing-room-only.

In a CSA relationship, the consumer supports the farmer directly, buying a share of his or her crop at the beginning of the growing season. This guarantees a market for the farmer’s produce, while covering the expense of planting upfront, when it’s most needed. Members typically buy half shares (enough for two to three people) or whole shares (enough for a family of four to five). It’s a direct way of sustainably supporting the existence of a small family farm, and getting to know who’s growing your food.

Over the course of the summer and fall (or the length of the growing season), CSA members receive boxes of produce containing a share of the crop — mostly fresh produce but often eggs, dairy and meat as well — in quantities determined by weather and growing conditions. CSA boxes are dropped off and picked up weekly at a pre-arranged location — typically the parking lot of a centrally located mall or a community association (for example, the drop-off point for Eagle Creek Farms will be at the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association every Thursday this summer).

By investing in a CSA, the consumer shares the risk with the farm. If there’s a drought, for example, the crop may be affected, but the farmer doesn’t have to worry about not having as much to bring to market. (Bad weather can be disastrous for small farms.) If it’s a good year, the abundance is reflected in the amount of produce the member receives. Some CSAs send out weekly newsletters with photos and updates on the current crop. Often, there is also the option to help out on your CSA farm — a great experience for anyone who wants to learn hands-on gardening skills or would like their kids to see exactly where their food is coming from.

SIDEBAR

Most local CSA farms are booked up for the season, but here are some operating around Calgary this year. Try connecting with them and perhaps putting your name down for next year. Demand is growing.

Thompson Small Farm in Carbon. thompsonsmallfarm.spaces.live.com

Eagle Creek Farms in Bowden. eaglecreekfarms.ca

Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm in Carstairs. members.shaw.ca/bluemtnbio-dynamics

Oxyoke Farms in Linden. oxyokefarms.com

For more information and a full list of Alberta CSAs, visit csaalberta.com