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CSA is a relatively recent phenomenon in the United States and Canada. Teikei the CSA equivalent, which literally translated means "partnership" or "cooperation", was first developed in Japan, by
a group of women concerned with the use of pesticides, he increase in processed and imported foods and the corresponding decrease in the farm population. The more philosophical translation for teikei is "food
with the farmer's face on it." (Van En 1992). In 1965 Japanese women initiated a direct, cooperative relationship in which local farmers were supported by consumers on an annual basis.
In 1984 Jan Vander Tuin brought the concept of CSA to North America from Europe. Jan had co-founded a community-supported agricultural project named Topanimbur, located near Zurich, Switzerland. He introduced the
idea to Robyn Van En at Indian Line Farm in S. Egremont, Massachusetts and the CSA concept in North America was born.
Robyn Van En, Jan Vander Tuin, John Root, Jr. and Charlotte Zanecchia formed a core group. Working with gardener Hugh Radcliffe, they began the first season of their CSA with a small apple orchard operation.
Gradually, they began introducing the "share the harvest" concept to the community. By spring of 1986, they began to offer shares in their vegetable harvest. Within four years, the Indian Line CSA expanded
from 30 to 150 members. Today, thanks to the pioneer efforts of Robyn Van En, the CSA concept has spread across the nation. More than 1,000 CSA's are supported by members of local communities. In the words of Robyn
Van En (1992), "CSA is a universal concept deserving increased recognition and application. Equally empowering to both the community and the farmers, CSA offers solutions to common problems facing farmers and
communities worldwide. "
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