Written by: M.B.
What is a CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, also sometimes referred to as a Co-Op, has been growing in popularity throughout the US recently. Most CSA programs offer full and half shares. A full share can typically feed a family of 4-6 but as each program is different, just like each farm, please check with your farmer about how much produce and other items to except. Some farms may offer half shares as a way for smaller families to have the benefits without all of the extra food. The USDA has a great explanation and definition of the CSA program:
Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a new idea in farming, one that has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United States from Europe in the mid-1980s. The CSA concept originated in the 1960s in Switzerland and Japan, where consumers interested in safe food and farmers seeking stable markets for their crops joined together in economic partnerships… In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests.
CSAs may not be called such in other parts of the country and not everyone has access to CSAs. We would like to remind you that Co-Op programs and farmers markets are also a great way to connect with your local produce and farmers. Who knows, maybe they might even be interested in starting a CSA or a local delivery services!
What is “pasture raised”, “grass-fed”, “free range”, “natural” and “hormone and antibiotic free” meat?
According to Sustainable Table, “pasture-raised” meat can be defined as,
Animals [able to] roam freely in their natural environment where they're able to eat nutritious grasses and other plants that their bodies are adapted to digest. In addition to dramatically improving the welfare of farm animals, pasturing also helps reduce environmental damage, and yields meat, eggs, and dairy products that are tastier and more nutritious than foods produced on factory farms *
For more about the human health benefits of “pasture-raised” meat go to the Sustainable Table website. Most of the meat and eggs that we will be writing about on this blog will be “pasture-raised”.
“Grass-fed”, according to the USDA means,
Grass and forage shall be the feed source consumed for the lifetime of the ruminant animal, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning. The diet shall be derived solely from forage consisting of grass (annual and perennial), forbs (e.g., legumes, Brassica), browse, or cereal grain crops in the vegetative (pre-grain) state. Animals cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season. Hay, haylage, baleage, silage, crop residue without grain, and other roughage sources may also be included as acceptable feed sources. Routine mineral and vitamin supplementation may also be included in the feeding regimen.
Producers must demonstrate to the Agency that the poultry has been allowed access to the outside
A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product) may be labeled natural. The label must explain the use of the term natural (such as - no added colorings or artificial ingredients; minimally processed.)
The definitions, according to the USDA for “hormone and/or antibiotic free” are,
NO HORMONES (pork or poultry):
Hormones are not allowed in raising hogs or poultry. Therefore, the claim "no hormones added" cannot be used on the labels of pork or poultry unless it is followed by a statement that says "Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones."
NO HORMONES (beef):
The term "no hormones administered" may be approved for use on the label of beef products if sufficient documentation is provided to the Agency by the producer showing no hormones have been used in raising the animals.
NO ANTIBIOTICS (red meat and poultry):
The terms "no antibiotics added" may be used on labels for meat or poultry products if sufficient documentation is provided by the producer to the Agency demonstrating that the animals were raised without antibiotics.
Hormones are not allowed in raising hogs or poultry. Therefore, the claim "no hormones added" cannot be used on the labels of pork or poultry unless it is followed by a statement that says "Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones."
NO HORMONES (beef):
The term "no hormones administered" may be approved for use on the label of beef products if sufficient documentation is provided to the Agency by the producer showing no hormones have been used in raising the animals.
NO ANTIBIOTICS (red meat and poultry):
The terms "no antibiotics added" may be used on labels for meat or poultry products if sufficient documentation is provided by the producer to the Agency demonstrating that the animals were raised without antibiotics.
What is the difference between USDA Organic practices and sustainable farm practices?
While an exact definition cannot be achieved, USDA Organic practices are affected by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 which is a 21 page act detailing what practices can and will be considered legally organic and marked such in the grocery stores. The act was amended in 2005 due to changes in practices and materials that are now available.
Using environmentally sustainable farming practices, more times than not, allows for the usage of new products and techniques that help the environment and the farmer as they are discovered. Many of these techniques are so new that they are not yet considered to be USDA Organic practices. Farmers that use environmentally sustainable farming practices may be helping the environment more than those using the practices that are allowed by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. According to the University of California, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program,
In addition to strategies for preserving natural resources and changing production practices, sustainable agriculture requires a commitment to changing public policies, economic institutions, and social values. Strategies for change must take into account the complex, reciprocal and ever-changing relationship between agricultural production and the broader society…The "food system" extends far beyond the farm and involves the interaction of individuals and institutions with contrasting and often competing goals including farmers, researchers, input suppliers, farmworkers, unions, farm advisors, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Relationships among these actors shift over time as new technologies spawn economic, social and political changes…A wide diversity of strategies and approaches are necessary to create a more sustainable food system
By going with a farmer who engages in sustainable farm practices using some organic methods, you are getting the best of both worlds, in our opinion, as you are able to let the farmer work with the changes and technologies as they are developed, instead of being forced to use practices that are sometimes behind the times.
Why should you support your local farmer?
Living in Vermont, we have it a lot easier than others in the US to support our local farmers. One of the programs, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, states why it is so important to support your local farmer,
Enjoying organic food raised or grown in Vermont supports the local economy, preserves our rural landscape, and creates a safer, more secure food supply
This doesn’t only apply to Vermont though. By supporting your local farmers throughout the country, you are helping the local economy by promoting small businesses, keeping the link between you and your food direct, and helping to encourage the growth of your local food supply.
If you are worried about the cost in your area, look into Farm Share Programs like the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont has created which help those on limited incomes to receive assistance so that they can have access to great quality foods as well. Last year alone, over 1,400 individuals were able to receive assistance from the Farm Share Program! If you don't have access to a Farm Share Program, see if there is another family in your area willing to split a share to help keep the cost down.
What is the slow foods movement and how does it apply to CSAs?
According to the Slow Food USA website,
Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment
Using a CSA, you can commit to your local communities agriculture. The health benefits from eating whole, unprocessed or minimally processed foods are an extremely popular topic in the media as far as health. Look on their website to find your local Slow Food communities for events and information about programs in your area.
Where can you find CSAs, local farmers, and sustainable information in your area?
http://www.localharvest.org/ -- great search engine for finding all things local and sustainable in your areas!
http://eatwild.com/products/index.html#states – find by state local grass-fed dairies, cattle farmers, and other animal created products
http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?pd=Home – find farms, markets, restaurants and more that use or create/make sustainable local products
http://www.sustainabletable.org/home.php -- tips, recipes and tricks for learning and living a sustainable life
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx -- search engine for finding out what seafood and fish is sustainable
Notes:
* I would have provided the definition of pasture-raised by the USDA but I was unable to find a definition in my research!
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