A few days ago he talked about the existence of local stores or Km0, which offered his customers products born or made in the same area. Today I want to talk about the CAS - sustainable agriculture communities. In our country they are almost unknown, the only initiatives that I know, and that look a bit, are the typical “sponsor a tree” or “sponsor a ham”, these cases are, to put it in some way, the tip of the Iceberg of what could be a sustainable farming community.
These types of communities were born and developed during the 1960s in Germany, Switzerland and Japan. Although in each country they have carried a different line of development. Today is in the USA. where it is most widespread and where they have become a very popular way of buying local food and seasonal products directly from the farmer.
How does a CAS work?
- A farmer offers a certain number of participations at a certain price for the public.
- Interested consumers buy a stake, we can also call them members as . In return they receive a box, bag or basket of seasonal products every week throughout the growing season.
- In general, participation consists of a box of vegetables, although other types of products can also be included, such as artisan elaborations such as cheeses, jams or eggs.
- A method of distribution of the products is agreed, which usually vary according to many factors: the consumer can go to the farm once a week to find his box; the delivery and collection of the boxes in a place can be agreed, one day and at a specific time; or home delivery.
- On average, in the US, a basic participation costs between 350 and 550 dollars a season. This usually lasts between 14 and 20 weeks. Each box usually contains about 6 kilos of vegetables and varied fruits, common in the area.
What advantages do they have for farmers?
- The farmer does not have to worry about the marketing of his products during the growing season, since this work is done previously, so he can focus only and exclusively on the crop, soil and service Your clients.
- Receive the advance payment of the season, so that financial stability ensures future work planning and investments.
- Stable a closer relationship with the consumer of their products and a first-hand knowledge of their needs.
- Farmers can join and collaborate, to offer their products together, which guarantees more product variety and more possibilities to sell their shares.
What advantages do they have for consumers?
- They receive fresh products, practically freshly harvested, with all their flavor, with their properties and vitamins intact.
- You usually have the opportunity to periodically visit the farm or crops where the products come from.
- You are informed, about the type of care, with which the vegetables you cook are grown, and may even influence the decision making about the products to be grown.
It is important to know that the consumer is not paying exactly to receive a few kilos of vegetables at a certain price (as in a store), but is participating in an action to support agriculture in their area. So in addition to compensation, they also assume the risks of a bad season, that is, the boxes or bags that the consumer receives, can be more or less full depending on how well or badly the production is taking place at any time They can even remain empty, if some kind of inclement or disaster has occurred. It would be fair to say that the consumer will be hard and mature.
Photos | chickenthistlefarm, e-squid, T. Brandão
More information | wikipedia
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