Bohemian Harvesting Community: The Benefits of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a collaborative model that connects people directly with local farmers, creating a system where members commit to purchasing a share of the farm’s produce for a season. In return, they receive regular deliveries of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This arrangement benefits both parties: it provides farmers with a stable, reliable income, allowing them to focus on sustainable farming without the uncertainty of fluctuating market prices, while members gain access to high-quality, locally grown produce.
Overcoming Challenges in Year One
Last year, Bohemian FC took its first steps into this exciting territory with the launch of its own CSA initiative, marking a new chapter for the club’s community-focused efforts. While the first year presented several challenges—ranging from ensuring engagement with farm days, managing the workload, and facing seasonal variability in produce—the project demonstrated the power of collective action.
A New Beginning at Beechpark Eco Farm
This year, the CSA has relocated to Beechpark Eco Farm in Clonsilla, which is much closer to Dublin than last year’s location. The new proximity has made it easier for members to participate in farm days, lending a hand with the harvest and learning about sustainable farming practices firsthand. This change has strengthened the bond between members and the farmer, fostering a deeper understanding of the work behind their weekly produce boxes.
Stronger Participation, Growing Community
Despite the hurdles faced in the first year, the Bohemian CSA has not only persevered but grown. Nearly 50 families now collect their weekly vegetable deliveries from Dalymount Park, Bohemians’ stadium, more than doubling the participation from last year. This growth is largely thanks to a more engaged membership. This year, members are more involved in running the CSA, from organizing the weekly pickups to collecting payments and coordinating social events. Volunteers have stepped forward to share the responsibilities, easing the workload on both the farmer and the organizers.
Supporting Farmers and Sustainability
For Michael Fogarty, the farmer at Beechpark Eco Farm, the stability provided by CSA payments has been critical. Organic farmers like Michael face numerous challenges, from unpredictable weather to high operational costs, and having a dependable income stream has given him the confidence to continue farming. “The CSA has given me the financial stability I needed to keep farming,” he said, noting that the support from the Bohemian CSA arrived just as he was considering leaving the business altogether due to the difficulties organic farmers face.
This direct support from the community has not only sustained Michael’s farm but also reinforces a broader commitment to sustainable agriculture. By supporting local farmers, CSA members are contributing to a more resilient food system, one that prioritizes environmental stewardship and reduces reliance on industrial agriculture.
Farm Days and Community Building
Work still needs to be done to ensure proper engagement in Farm Days. These events offer members a chance to connect with the land and the farmer while contributing to the harvest. They are a unique feature of the CSA model, where families can visit the farm, help with planting or harvesting, and learn more about how their food is grown. Beyond the practical benefits, these visits foster a sense of camaraderie among members, making the CSA more than just a way to receive fresh vegetables—it’s a way to build community.
Members have also begun sharing recipes using the produce in their weekly boxes, turning the CSA into a platform for exchanging ideas about healthy eating and sustainable living. The group’s enthusiasm has helped create a culture of cooperation and mutual support, which is the heart of what makes a CSA successful. There is now plans afoot to host a “Feeding Ourselves” event, connecting with local chiefs to prepare a community dinner from the CSA produce.
Looking Ahead
As the CSA continues through its second year, its foundation has only strengthened. With a growing number of participants and more volunteers taking on active roles, the initiative is proving that collective action can produce real, tangible results. This year has shown that a football club, local farmers, and a committed community can come together to create something that benefits everyone involved.
The Bohemian CSA remains open to new members, with another intake scheduled for later in the year. For those interested, joining is more than a chance to receive fresh, locally grown vegetables—it’s an opportunity to support sustainable farming, build connections, and be part of a community rooted in positive change.
Discover more sustainability-related activities here.
