JOIN A CSA

Now that we live in Wisconsin, I’ve been so inspired by all of the farms I have within minutes from my house. I’m continually being educated on what it means to support local farms and farmers and buying healthier, fresher produce and can’t wait to visit some local farms out here!

What is a CSA?

Community-supported agriculture

(in North America sometimes also known as community-shared agriculture) (CSA) is an alternative, locally-based socio-economic model of agriculture and food distribution. A CSA also refers to a particular network or association of individuals who have pledged to support one or more local farms, with growers and consumers sharing the risks and benefits of food production. CSA members or subscribers pay at the onset of the growing season for a share of the anticipated harvest; once harvesting begins, they receive weekly or bi-weekly shares of vegetables and fruit, in a vegetable box scheme, and also sometimes herbs, cut flowers, honey, eggs, dairy products and meat, as well. Some CSAs provide for contributions of labor in lieu of a portion of subscription costs.

Thinking about signing up for a CSA but want to learn more about the idea before you commit? Read on:

Advantages for farmers:

Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow
Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow

Advantages for consumers:

Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits
Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season
Find that kids typically favor food from “their” farm – even veggies they’ve never been known to eat
Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown

It’s a simple enough idea, but its impact has been profound. Tens of thousands of families have joined CSAs, and in some areas of the country there is more demand than there are CSA farms to fill it. The government does not track CSAs, so there is no official count of how many CSAs there are in the U.S. LocalHarvest has the most comprehensive directory of CSA farms, with over 4,000 listed in their grassroots database. Click here to read more on CSAs.

Click here to find a CSA near you! Or visit LocalHarvest.org for more information. You can also email me here and I’ll be happy to help you answer any questions you might have or, in the very least, point you in the right direction. Thank you!