Discovering the Benefit of Participating in a CSA!

Perhaps this sounds familiar or maybe not, but Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) programs have been around longer than we might realize.  For nearly 20 years, citizens have been able to support smaller, local farms by purchasing a “share” of that farm.  In return, the consumer is entitled to fresh, seasonal crops that are nutritious, locally sourced, and great tasting. 

When you invest in a CSA, the food you are purchasing is always local and it will always be fresh.  While perhaps not “certified” organic, your farm might already be participating in organic farming practices, minus the expensive regulatory process.  Get to know your local farm to find out.    

How Does a CSA Work?

Consumers buy shares in a local farm or farm alliance’s harvest pre-season.  The consumer commits to a certain timeframe (i.e. spring, fall, full season, etc.) investing funds shortly before the “season” begins. Your cost associated is typically dependent on the duration of the commitment. 

The fees you pay initially go towards purchasing seeds and all the other necessary materials for starting a planting season.  This gives the farmer some income before his crop is ready.  This fee is considered a membership fee.   

Are there any risks?

• • By paying ahead of time, the consumer shares the risk of producing the crops with the farmer.  If there is a bad year, there will be limited selection/product.  Conversely, if there is a good year, everyone enjoys a bountiful production. 
  • Another consideration – you often do not to pick your items directly.  However, you will likely have the opportunity to identify foods you prefer to avoid, but the amount & selection is typically based on seasonal availability.  

What To Expect

Once you decide in which CSA you’d like to invest, you’ll place your deposit. Next, you’ll next select where you plan to pick up your produce.  Sometimes it’ll be directly at the farm; however, it could also be at a local drop-off location within your community.  Some farms provide a discount to homeowners who volunteer to serve as a drop-off point, safely storing other consumers’ produce for the selected delivery day.

On your chosen delivery day, you’ll proceed to your pickup location and collect your box. 

Sometimes you’ll be permitted to take the entire physical box, other times you’ll need to bring your own bag and place your farm items in your personal bag, leaving the original box to recycle for next time.   

Why Would I Want to Invest in a CSA?

• • Most importantly for the community, you will be directly supporting your local farmers.  You get to keep your hard-earned money within your own community, which directly benefits your local municipality.  Your membership fees are put right back into the ground to create items you will eventually enjoy.

• • Moreover, costs can sometimes be lower since all of the middlemen have been removed from this situation.  Often, you’ll be able to enjoy produce farmed in organic practices, even if the official certification hasn’t been provided. 

• • You have access to the freshest local produce available.  The produce is often picked just a day or two prior to delivery, so you can’t get much fresher than this.  As such, the produce is at the peak of ripeness.  You’ll actually be enjoying the items as they are designed – not picked weeks/months ahead of time before they fully matured, compromising taste, texture and quality.
    • • Be aware – because they are ripe, their shelf life is shorter than you might be accustomed to.  Be sure to enjoy within a few days!  

• • You’ll have the opportunity to try new items you hadn’t previously been exposed to or willing to try.  Who knows, you might like it!

• • It’s convenient – one stop shopping for an entire week’s worth of produce! 

What Do I Get with a CSA Share?

Depending on the farm in which you join, your possibilities can be plentiful.  If you join an association, you will have even larger options.

First, you’ll chose a share, often small or large based on your family size.  Small typically contains 5-6 different products, large 7-9. 

Ex: a bundle of chives, a pint of strawberries, 2 zucchini, a large head of red tipped lettuce and a half dozen potatoes.

If you join an association (multiple local farms banning together to share products and transportation costs), you might also have access to products like eggs, chickens, jams, fresh meats, plants, milk, etc. 

You get the satisfaction of knowing that your money is helping to support the local economy.  More importantly, you are eating healthy foods full of the best nutrients available, plus you are simultaneously saving time & money not driving from store to store every weekend! 

Conclusion

CSAs are a fantastic option for those who enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables.  The produce you’ll receive is fresh, packed full of nutrients, flavorful and ready to eat.  A small box can feed a couple for an entire week; however, a larger box might be necessary for a family. Moreover, you’ll often get a great deal on the prices compared to the supermarket and sometimes get a few free extras when the harvest is plentiful!      

Supporting the local economy has never been more important.  This is an easy way to keep your money in your town to continue to reap the benefits for many years to come. 

I hope you explore the world of CSAs this year!

Interested in Finding a CSA Near You?

Check out Local Harvest to find community supported agricultural programs close to your home. 

Other Resources: The History of Community Supported Agriculture – Rodale Institute