CSA - Community Supported Agriculture
The CSA concept originated in Japan in the 1960s by a group of women concerned with the use of pesticides, the increase in processed and imported food, and the loss of farmers and farmland. By the early 1970s, farmers and consumers in several European countries, concerned about the industrialization of their food system, created the CSA model that we know today. The first CSA in the U.S. was created in Massachusetts in 1984. Today there are over 2,500 CSAs in the United States. North Carolina has over 100 CSAs, and more are created every year as interest from both consumers and farmers grows.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a production and marketing model we use as Rubugi Investments whereby consumers buy shares of a farm’s harvest in advance. Consumers become CSA members by paying an agreed amount at the beginning of the growing season, either in one lump sum or in installments. The annual cost, generally ranging from $400-$700, depends on the length of the harvest season and the variety and quantity of products provided. This upfront payment helps buy the seed and other inputs needed for the season and provides the farmer an immediate income to begin the season. By paying at the beginning of the season, CSA members share in the risk of production and relieve the farmer of much of the time needed for marketing. This allows the farmer to concentrate on good land stewardship and growing high quality coffee.
What We Offer
Rubugi Investments Limited offer clean coffee (FAQ), Grinded Kawa and Extensional Agricultural Support to farmers.
The term extension may be examined by looking at a number of statements that have been written about it.
- Extension is an informal educational process directed toward the rural population. Through this process we offer advice and information to help them solve their problems. Through Extensional Agricultural we also aim at increasing the efficiency of the family farm, increasing production and generally increasing the standard of living of the farm family.
- The main objective of Rubugi Investment Limited through extensional agricultural support is to change farmers' outlook toward their difficulties. Through Extension we are also concerned not just with physical and economic achievements but also with the development of the rural people themselves. Extension agents, therefore, discuss matters with the rural people, help them to gain a clearer insight into their problems and also to decide how to overcome these problems.
- In summary, Rubugi Investments through Extension Agricultural Support is concerned with working with rural people in order to improve their livelihoods. This involves helping farmers to improve the productivity of their agriculture and also developing their abilities to direct their own future development.