Community Supported Agriculture in Freiburg

Freiburg has a strong reputation across the world as the "Green City of Germany". Therefore, it is almost fitting that I am taking a course called "Freiburg Green City". As a part of this course, we have many excursions across Freiburg to learn about sustainable practices being employed in the city. A few weeks ago, we went on an excursion to a Community Supported Farm just outside Freiburg.


Community Supported Agriculture is a unique and sustainable way of growing food. Instead of growing the same crop on large fields (monoculture), this farm had great crop diversity even in such a small area. However, what was incredibly unique about it was the fact that it was supported by the same community that used its produce. Under this system, each member of the farm has to make a monetary donation and work five days on the farm every year. In return, the members equally shared the food grown on the farm for free. Since every member lives near the farm, the food does not have to be transported across long distances. And of course, all food is organically grown without any pesticides. Additionally, there is no single-use packaging and minimal food waste as extra food is given away for free. What I found especially fascinating about this model was the fact that every member receives equal food, irrespective of their donation amount. In fact, there is no minimum donation amount required to be a member. Still, the farm reaches its budget requirements every year.


This shows that the members of the Community Supported Farm are honest and truly care about the cause which is why they donate what they think is appropriate. It also shows that Freiburg residents really do care about sustainability. This model serves as the perfect example for other farms across the world. It proves the fact that monoculture is less productive and unsustainable. Unfortunately, most farms in the US practice monoculture. There is not as much of a sense of community that may be required for a Community Supported Farm.


Therefore, I think that the US and other countries can learn from Freiburg's Community Supported Farm in order to ensure sustainability and community cohesion.





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