On these cold, blustery winter days are you thinking about fresh summer vegetables? Have you ever thought about joining a CSA? CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and they are farms that offer opportunities to enjoy fresh, local produce during the growing season. CSAs are designed to promote a working relationship between the customer and grower by offering shares, memberships or subscriptions to the farm.
Usually CSA shares are sold in the late winter (like right now) and once the plants start producing in early spring, members receive a weekly box or bag of in-season produce. Most CSAs offer fresh fruits and vegetables, others also offer other local foods such as eggs, meat, honey, maple syrup and more!
CSAs offer a way for customers to support a local farm by sharing in the risks as well as the wealth of the growing season. By selling shares this time of year, the farmer has a better idea of the farm budget and is able to use the money to purchase seeds and make repairs. Once the plants are growing, if there are problems with insects or the weather which leaves the farmer with a lower yield of a specific crop, the CSA members do not receive as much. On the other hand, when it’s the perfect growing season for another vegetable, members receive an abundance! Each CSA is managed differently so find your best match depending on cost, location, time of year and types of shares such as working shares where members spend some time volunteering at the farm. Local Harvest is a good national website to help start your search for a local CSA or farmers market.
Author: Patrice Powers-Barker, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension
Reviewed by: Linnette Goard, Field Specialist, Food Safety, Selection and Management, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension
