CSA -- Community Supported Agriculture in Chiang Mai (and a CSA in Bangkok!)

One of the fastest growing movements in sustainable agriculture is the move to link farmers and consumers directly through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).  And we've got a great CSA in Chiang Mai!

The delivery truck.

The way most CSAs work is that people join the CSA and pay a monthly fee for a share of the farm's produce. This benefits the farmer by giving them a regular income, and benefits the consumer by giving them farm-fresh produce that is in season.

Chiang Mai has its own CSA run out of the community of Mae Tha, about one hour south of Chiang Mai.  This is the same community where the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI) runs part of its university course on sustainable agriculture, "Sustainable Food Systems."  We've been to the farms and know the farmers (some since they were kids), and they are doing a great job of transitioning out of cash-cropping baby corn to organic farming.

Packing the boxes.

The CSA in Chiang Mai has several drop points (among them Chiang Mai International School and CrossFit Chiang Mai).  In addition, at the JJ market near the Tesco on the superhighway (on Astsadathon Road) the community also sells vegetables and other products every Saturday and Wednesday morning (but get there early as they sell out fast!).

The produce is excellent, and fully organic.  One of the great things about the CSA is it is also encouraging young farmers to stay in the community and continue farming -- reversing a trend of young people leaving the rural villages.

The vegetables and sometimes fruit varies with the season.  Lots of greens, and other sorts of vegetables depending on the season.  Both greens and vegetables familiar with Westerners as well as unique Northern Thai vegetables are in the box each week.  It is a great way to cook seasonally.

The CSA in Chiang Mai has a Facebook page at kanlayanamitgroup.csa. If you want to join the Chiang Mai CSA, give Aun a call at 087-191-5595 (he speaks English and Thai) or email him at Farm_un@hotmail.com.

For those of you in Bangkok, there is a very well run (and growing!) CSA, "csa munching box" with Raitong Organics Farm! You can find them through their website.  Highly recommended, and a great way to access organic and farm fresh fruits and vegetables in Bangkok.