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 most of us), and the Lapel farmers who grow them together. The 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 Lapel CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Lapel CSA subscribers. Instead of needing to wade through the produce section every week farmers do the work 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's an idea that's getting more popular around the country because it keeps out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at cheap prices, and is good for the environment because it decreases transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions usually run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Lapel, IN
What are the benefits of joining a Lapel 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 benefit is the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it is chosen, sorted and delivered usually on the same day.
Often, it's cheaper than buying produce through] supermarkets in Lapel, because it eliminates the middleman and joins the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Lapel CSAs benefit the local economy, too, since they keep the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Lapel CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Lapel community. They have definitely gained popularity 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 are 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 Lapel customers can be certain they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide array of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You do not have to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in several distinct cities to be 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 just about everybody involved, plus they are simple to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Lapel
Even if you feel you can not afford to belong to Lapel CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for many who can't afford to purchase 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!
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 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 is an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Lapel CSA in your area.