How to Work a CSA Farm
Inspired by Shi’s operation, a batch of
CSA farms has come into being in succession, all with the intent of producing safer, healthier farm produce. Nationwide, there are 300 farms of this type,
more than 50 of them in Beijing.
These CSA farms deliver organic
vegetables directly to consumers, so
avoiding the need for intermediary
agents. Through this direct connection,
farmers and consumers share interests
and jointly shoulder risks. They hope to
achieve sustainable agriculture through
the sustainable development and selfcirculation of the ecological system. Shi’s
“Sharing the Harvest” has three distinctions: direct selling, the personal touch,
and localization. Consumers’ pre-payments obviate the need for farm owners
to take out bank loans. “This model is
more suitable for small and mediumsized farms, which usually lack funds in
their early stages,” Shi said.
Shi mentioned another CSA merit.
“The seller is also the producer who directly supplies farm produce to consumers, thus taking full responsibility for it.”
The CSA advocates the idea of “eat
local and in season,” according to Shi.
People are hence not encouraged to consume imported farm products. In the
process of processing and transportation
they inevitably lose nutrients, and also
incur food safety risks.