NWCSA

The North-West Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project is managed by Robin Krabbe from the North-West Environment Centre .
The CSA project has received seed funding from the Burnie City Council.

We would also like to thank the ABC and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under its Australia's Farming Future program for their support of our project.

Our farmers are now starting to produce boxes for the 2010 season - they are almost fully subscribed but if you are interested in being involved, email Robin at rkrabbe@westnet.com.au

The project aims to connect growers with consumers to build resilient and sustainable Northwest Tasmanian communities.

Benefits for Farmers

Guaranteed income at the beginning of each year
Reduction in time spent on marketing
Satisfaction gained from the interaction and feedback from customers
Opportunity to grow varieties that are not viable commercially
Costs of environmentally friendly growing practices can be compensated for

Benefits for Consumers

Opportunity to learn more about agricultural systems
Satisfaction from supporting local farmers
Access to fresh local produce
Cost to consumers may be lower than retail prices (particularly retail organic prices)
Social benefits from interacting with like-minded people

Benefits for the Community

Potential for retention of farms and farm families in rural-urban fringe
Increased understanding between urban and rural communities

To find out how the CSA works or to become involved please email rkrabbe@westnet.com.au

Project Update - August 2009:

The CSA project which commenced in January this year, had a successful first season, with approximately 20 families receiving vegetables (and some fruit, mainly berries) from the three farmers. Very good feedback has been received so far, with people really appreciating getting fresh, organically grown food. Each farmer had their own group that they supplied to. Deliveries were made to the door, with a small surcharge generally being charged to cover petrol. The boxes commenced in late January, and generally ceased in May/June. Members/consumers paid one week in advance as a deposit, then weekly on delivery of the box (the ideal is that they pay for the whole season or eg 3 monthly in advance).

The project is now in its second phase of seeking expressions of interest to expand the project, partly via the abpove workshops.

CSA Members receive a fortnightly newsletter. Click on one to view!

CSA Newsletter 6 (0.6 MB) CSA Newsletter 5 (0.7MB)

CSA Newsletter 4 (0.7MB) CSA Newsletter 3 (0.6MB) CSA Newsletter 2 (0.5MB) CSA Newsletter 1 (0.5MB)

Not sure what to do with all your CSA vegetables? Get inspired on our Recipe Page!

Are you a woman interested in sustainable living? Check out the NWEC Woman in Sustainable Environments Network (WISEN)