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's just about all of us), and the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Idaho Falls CSA subscribers. As opposed to having to wade through the produce section every week 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 is a concept that's increasing in popularity around the country because 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, based on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in Idaho Falls, ID
What are the benefits of joining a Idaho Falls CSA program? Well, the produce does not have 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 benefit is that the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it is selected, sorted and delivered typically on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Idaho Falls, because it gets rid of the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Idaho Falls CSAs help the local economy, too, because they keep your revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Idaho Falls CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Idaho Falls community. They have really taken off 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 Idaho Falls consumers know they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide variety 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 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 handled by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often coordinate 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 just about everybody involved, and they're simple to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Idaho Falls
Even if you think you cannot afford to belong to Idaho Falls CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for people who can't afford to buy a membership for a season. You're working 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 is an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Idaho Falls CSA in your area.