What is a csa?

Booker T. Whatley. Whatley was born in 1915, and he devoted his life to the study of agriculture and how to get the community involved. He earned a BS in Agriculture from Alabama A & M University and a doctorate in Horticulture from Rutgers University. He was briefly drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he ran a hydroponic farm to grow and deliver healthy foods to stationed soldiers.

While teaching as a professor of agriculture at Tuskegee University, Whatley recognized the lack of attention local farms were receiving from the community. He also saw the struggles that Black farmers faced in the South when trying to receive loans from the government to keep their land. These issues made Whatley take charge and work with Southern Black farmers to find ways to engage with the community. This led to the creation of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. By advocating for programs such as pick-your-own farms, he created a way for society to get involved with the land around them and help sustain farms throughout the area. His work continues to be used by farmers today, as he wrote a book in 1987 to guide them called “How to Make $100,000 Farming 25 Acres.”

Whatley’s contributions to agriculture created ways to help local farmers of every race make revenue and get the community involved. He paved the way for community-based agriculture, a practice that we at CCE-Suffolk are proud to be a part of.

For information about the impact of Whatley’s work, visit https://www.smithsonianmag.com/.../you-can-thank-black.../

sourced from https://ccesuffolk.org/about-cce/black-history-month/booker-t-whatley

    • Economic Stability: CSAs provide Black farmers with a stable and predictable income. By receiving payment at the start of the season, farmers can plan and invest in their operations without the financial uncertainty that often accompanies traditional farming and market sales. This financial stability is crucial for Black farmers, who historically have faced significant barriers in accessing loans and capital.

    • Community Building: CSAs foster stronger community connections. Black farmers can build relationships with their local communities, educating members about sustainable agriculture and the importance of supporting local food systems. This model helps create a sense of belonging and mutual support within the community.

    • Access to Resources: Participation in a CSA can help Black farmers gain access to resources such as grant programs and technical assistance aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture and small-scale farming. These resources are often critical for overcoming the systemic challenges that Black farmers face.

    • Visibility and Recognition: CSAs provide a platform for Black farmers to showcase their produce and farming practices, raising awareness about the contributions and challenges faced by Black farmers in the agricultural sector. This increased visibility can lead to greater community support and

    1. Fresh and Healthy Food: By joining a CSA, you gain access to fresh, seasonal produce that is often harvested just hours before it reaches your table. This means healthier, more nutritious food for you and your family, supporting overall well-being.

    2. Environmental Benefits: CSAs typically use sustainable farming practices, which help reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and promote soil health and biodiversity. Supporting these practices helps protect the environment for future generations.

    3. Economic Empowerment: Supporting a CSA means investing directly in local Black farmers, helping to sustain small-scale agriculture and the local economy. This is especially important for Black farmers, who often face systemic barriers in accessing traditional agricultural markets and financing. Your support helps build a more equitable food system.

    4. Community Engagement: Being part of a CSA connects you with your local community and the people who grow your food. It fosters a sense of shared responsibility and mutual support, strengthening the social fabric of your area. Supporting Black farmers through a CSA also helps promote food sovereignty and justice within the community.

  • Supporting a CSA not only provides you with fresh, healthy food but also contributes to the economic stability and visibility of Black farmers, promoting a more equitable and sustainable food system. By joining a CSA, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of Black farmers and the broader community.