The Untold History of CSA

A key element in fighting for racial justice is to tell the whole story: to revisit the histories we have learned–many of which are written with a Euro-centric, white supremacist, male lens–and delve deeper, elevating the voices and perspectives of historically marginalized communities. Through our work with the Hudson Valley CSA Coalition and the CSA Innovation Network, Glynwood has explored the history of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the United States and globally, observing where credit has been predominantly given and where credit is long overdue.

The dawn of Community Supported Agriculture in the United States is most commonly attributed to Indian Line CSA (South Egremont, MA) and Temple-Wilton Community Farm (Wilton, NH), both founded in 1986 by European men. While these two farms have played undeniably large roles in the popularization of CSA in America, they are not the first in our country to have thought of the economic model, nor is Europe the first place in the world to have established agricultural memberships.

Booker T. Whatley, a Black author, horticulturist, and professor at Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL), identified 10 commandments he considered essential for successful farming in the 1960s and 1970s. Included in these commandments was the concept of a “Clientele Membership Club,” in which club members paid an upfront fee to pick their own produce all season long.