Interest in organic produce and healthier eating is on the rise, and yet the outlook is still shaky for farmers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports lately that more than 1.2 million farmers, rangers, and agricultural managers worked in the United States. Nearly 80 percent were self-employed, and their employment prospects are expected to decline in the coming years.
What would communities do without farmers? Where would people go for fresh fruits and vegetables? Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) keeps people connected to farming, even if they live miles away. With CSA, people help support the participating farm by signing on as members or shareholders. The share, or subscription, they buy is actually a specific amount of produce from the farm that gets delivered to them (usually in a box) on a regular basis.
CSA Farms Offer a Variety of Fresh Food
Produce is seasonally based vegetables, fruits, herbs, and can also be flowers, eggs, dairy products, baked goods and more. Farms either deliver directly to members or to a nearby community center for pickup. If a member neglects to pick up that week’s share, the center typically donates the produce to a shelter or food pantry.
The Perks of CSA Membership
Farmers benefit by participating in CSA because they can market their food well in advance of the long days spent planting and harvesting. CSA also provides them with cash in advance of the farming season, which eases stress. Another benefit is that farmers and CSA members get to meet and learn more about each other. Most CSAs offer member visiting days, where people can chat with the farmworkers and help pick produce.
CSA member rates vary based on the type and amount of produce ordered, and the frequency of delivery. Learn more about Community-Supported Agriculture by visiting LocalHarvest. Use the map to key in city and state for nearby CSA farms.
