community supported agriculture in wisconcin(3)

producers and consumers will built a firm relation with the basis of credit.

organic and so do not use synthetic

pesticides.15 In Wisconsin, at least 50 of

the approximately 90 total CSA farms

(55%) produce their crops without the use

of synthetic pesticides.16

Nitrate is the most widespread groundwater

contaminant in Wisconsin and is increasing

in extent and severity. Currently 11.6 %

of private wells exceed the health-based

drinking water limit with geographical

distribution shown in the map at the

right.17 Since 80% of nitrate inputs into

Wisconsin’s groundwater originate from

manure spreading, agricultural fertilizers,

and legume cropping systems, it makes

sense that nitrate-contaminated wells are

more prevalent in agricultural districts.18

In general, well-managed organic farming

practices lower nitrate inputs to ground

water,19 but at times, leaching from organic

systems may also exceed the drinking

water limit for nitrate.20

Every “eater” affects groundwater quality through the farming

practices they support when they purchase food. Buying food from local CSA farms protect farmland, supports sustainable farming

practices, and conserves natural resources, including groundwater.The Future of CSAs in Wisconsin Looks Bright

The number of CSAs in Wisconsin has grown quickly in the last 20 years from none to about 90 CSAs serving over 5000 households.21

eat healthier.22with recent articles in Time MagazineWisconsin.