What's a CSA?
A CSA, also referred to as a Community Supported Agriculture Program, is a program with the goal to put people who use farm-grown products, (and that's just about all of us), and the Parachute farmers who grow them together. This program works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can get a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Parachute CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Parachute CSA subscribers. As opposed to having to wade through the produce section every week 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 an idea that's increasing in popularity around the country since it cuts out the middleman, assures farm-fresh produce at cheap prices, and is good for the environment because it minimizes transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions primarily run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Parachute, CO
What are the benefits of joining a Parachute CSA program? Well, the produce does not have to be transported 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 key benefit is the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, since it is chosen, sorted and sent usually on the same day.
Often, it's cheaper than buying produce through] supermarkets in Parachute, because it gets rid of the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Parachute CSAs help the local economy, too, since they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Parachute CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Parachute community. They have really gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They are a great way for farmers to know they will 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.
Generally, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Parachute individuals 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 do not need to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many different 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 managed 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 isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Parachute
Even if you feel you can't afford to belong to Parachute CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for people who can not afford to buy a membership for a season. You're employed 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!
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 a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Parachute CSA in your area.