One of the greatest threats facing farmers today and hence facing our own food supply is the financial rewards found in the field of farming, rewards that are seemingly more often then not, in the negative digits. Many argue that food and agriculture should be removed from global trade regimes. One of the reasons for such an idea comes from a belief that farmers themselves should not have to bear the financial risks associated with such a volatile industry, and all people should equally share such risks as food is a need and not a desire. One alternative to the dominant food system is the model of Community Supported Agriculture, whereby a set number of people within a city or town become a member of a farm, and in doing so pay the farmers at the beginning of the season when farmers need the money most. Members who join are then guaranteed what is most often a weekly box of fresh produce. As many farmers know all too well how easily an entire crop can be lost due to weather, pests or unforseen circumstances, members of a CSA share this risk with the farmer and on the other side can also share in the abundance. Just outside of Nelson, British Columbia, two intrepid farmers who only began farming a few years ago, have launched a CSA this year. Host Jon Steinman chose to become a member and document the process of creating a CSA and the potential for such a model to reconnect people with their food and provide farmers with a more secure source of income.

Past Broadcasts

2007
September 27 - "Soil Matters CSA II"
Soil Matters CSA Members

July 19 - "Soil Matters CSA I"
Laura Sacks, Craig Smith

February 18, 2008: A Message from Farmer Laura Sacks...
"I'm re-grouping a bit on the farm this year. We had a greenhouse collapse last week, after heavy rain on top of the snow. We figured the plastic would give before the structure, but we were obviously wrong. Amazingly, the plastic held up! It could be a blessing in disguise, as I was not happy about the amount of electricity that the greenhouses consume, and that greenhouse had a lot of unused "junk" that needed to be cleared out. We're not sure if we'll re-build or try to do mini hoop houses over individual benches. Regardless, the spinach will be in limited supply this spring. But the CSA is still a-go. Another awesome thing about the CSA is the many offers for help with salvaging the greenhouse."

Member Bob Olsen holding his first box of produce of the season. Soil Matters' Laura Sacks.