What's a CSA?
A CSA, sometimes called a Community Supported Agriculture Program, is a program with the goal to put people who use farm-grown products, (and that is most of us), and the Greenwood Village farmers who grow them together. This system works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can buy a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Greenwood Village CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Greenwood Village CSA subscribers. Instead of needing to wade through the produce section weekly farmers do the job for them. Local farmers put together 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's an idea that's getting more popular around the country given it cuts out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at reasonable prices, and is good for the environment because it decreases transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions primarily run from early May through September or October, depending on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in Greenwood Village, CO
What are the advantages of joining a Greenwood Village CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be moved to a warehouse or group of supermarkets, it's only moved once, to the pick-up location, so subscribers are helping save on fuel costs and spare the environment from emissions. One key advantage is that the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it's selected, sorted and shipped usually on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Greenwood Village, because it does away with the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Greenwood Village CSAs help 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.
Greenwood Village CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Greenwood Village 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're 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 Greenwood Village consumers know they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide array 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 a number of diverse cities to make sure all their crops are spoken for.
If you do not 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 if 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 Greenwood Village
Even if you feel you can't afford to belong to Greenwood Village CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for many who can not afford to purchase a membership for a season. You work in the fields for a pre-determined amount 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 reached 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 an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Greenwood Village CSA in your area.