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 Orchard Mesa farmers who grow them together. The program 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 Orchard Mesa CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Orchard Mesa CSA subscribers. Instead of having to wade through the produce section weekly farmers do the work 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 is a concept that is getting more popular throughout the country because it keeps out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at affordable prices, and is good for the environment because it minimizes transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions usually run from early May through September or October, based on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in Orchard Mesa, CO
What are the advantages of joining a Orchard Mesa CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't need to be transported 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 the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it's chosen, sorted and delivered generally on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Orchard Mesa, because it eliminates the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Orchard Mesa CSAs help the local economy, too, simply because they keep your revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Orchard Mesa CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Orchard Mesa community. They've truly taken off in the last few years, and for good reason. They're 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 without breaking the bank, too.
Generally, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Orchard Mesa consumers can be sure they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You don't need to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many diverse cities to ensure 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 manage their own CSAs, too. If you know a farmer, find out if they're offering a CSA program, and if they're not, give them a hint! These programs benefit just about everybody involved, plus they are simple to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Orchard Mesa
Even if you think you can't afford to belong to Orchard Mesa CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for those who can not afford to buy a membership for a season. You work in the fields for a pre-determined amount of time each week, and find out 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!
During 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 is an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Orchard Mesa CSA in your area.