Last week, I mentioned Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, as my daughter’s weekly resource for fresh produce and a variety of other food items. I thought the topic deserved a post of its own.

Most of us think that going to the local farmer’s market is the ultimate in weekend enjoyment, community connection, and the best resource for fresh – usually organic – produce and food stuffs.

That’s all true.

But a booth at the farmer’s market is not free, and requires hours of setup/take down time that produces no income.

To truly support small organic farmers, many communities and farmers are turning to CSA’s.

But how does this all work? Does your community have one?

A quick check, with a nearby university with an agricultural department, led me to this site: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Resource Guide for Farmers | NC State Extension (ncsu.edu), which explains the concept:

CSA is a production and marketing model 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. 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 food.

Read more at growing small farms.

Your community may call this something else, but I am confident there is a similar program near you that could be accessed through a university or agricultural extension office.

The farmers fill the weekly orders at a convenient drop-off location, and subscribers pick up their custom orders.

Easy peasy. No standing in the heat at a farmer’s market – for either the farmer or the customer.

I will be checking out the location of the nearest CSA next spring, so I can get some top-quality veggies, eggs, meat, and other food items.

How about you?

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In health –

Deidre

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