What's a CSA?
A CSA, also known as a Community Supported Agriculture Program, is a program with the goal to put people who use farm-grown products, (and that's almost all of us), and the Broomfield farmers who grow them together. This program works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can purchase a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Broomfield CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Broomfield CSA subscribers. Instead of needing to wade through the produce section weekly farmers do the job for them. Local farmers come up with a weekly basket of produce (sometimes meat and dairy as well) and deliver it to an established, central location, or subscribers can pick it up at the farm.
It really is a concept that is catching on throughout the country because it cuts out the middleman, ensures farm-fresh produce at cheap prices, and is good for the environment because it minimizes transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions generally run from early May through September or October, based on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in Broomfield, CO
What are the benefits of joining a Broomfield CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be moved to a warehouse or group of supermarkets, it's only transported once, to the pick-up location, so subscribers are helping save on fuel costs and spare the environment from emissions. One significant advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as possible, since it is chosen, sorted and sent typically on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Broomfield, because it eliminates the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Broomfield CSAs profit the local economy, too, because they keep the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Broomfield CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Broomfield community. They've truly gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They are a great way for farmers to know they are going to have a market for their crops, but they're a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products having to break the bank, too.
Primarily, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Broomfield customers know they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You don't have to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many diverse cities to be sure all their crops are spoken for.
If you don't have a CSA program in your community, talk to a local community service organization about starting one. Some are maintained by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often arrange their own CSAs, too. If you know a farmer, determine whether they're offering a CSA program, and if they're not, give them a hint! These programs benefit almost everybody involved, and they are simple to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Broomfield
Even if you think you can't afford to belong to Broomfield CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for those who can't afford to buy a membership for a season. You work in the fields for a pre-determined period of time each week, and learn more about the business of agriculture, and you receive a share of the crops in return. Now that's a win-win situation for everyone!
At a time when we worry about the quality of our food, how far it's traveled, and how long it's been sitting in a warehouse before it finally arrived at the supermarket, these novel programs can bring a little more peace of mind about where dinner's coming from and teach you new skills at the same time.
Even if you don't want to work in an apprenticeship, you can usually visit the farm and actually see where your next meal is coming from, and that's a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Broomfield CSA in your area.