FarmFolk
COVID-19 has exposed vulnerabilities to the global food system. In addition to an over-concentration of food processors and increased regional food dependencies, we have seen how large transportation distances and international restrictions can disrupt food supplies, increase costs to consumers, and undermine food security.
Buying local through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program allows farmers to invest in guaranteed crops for the next season and gives you the opportunity to learn from local growers.
What is CSA?
CSA is a program where customers purchase ‘shares’ in seasonal harvests from their local farmers. This mutual commitment guarantees consumers repeated deliveries of fresh, local food, and provides farmers a source of income during a period of high expenses. Farmers increase their financial and environmental resiliency by incorporating the CSA model into their business.
Farm Folk City Folk's Strengthening Community Supported Agriculture Program is a coordinated set of activities geared toward both farmers and consumers in order to support the expansion of CSA programs in BC, and includes a series of farmer-to-farmer webinars that connect farmers around several topics; an online network that connects farmers and provides ongoing space for CSA mentorship; and an up and coming interactive web resource for CSA programs in the province. For more information visit https://www.farmfolkcityfolk.ca/events/
BC farmers can also join the CSA Farmer Facebook Group. This group is a platform for BC farmers who currently use community supported agriculture (CSA) as a part of their business model or are interested in starting a CSA program on their farm. Join other CSA farmers in conversation, resource sharing, and networking.