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 almost all of us), and the Atlantic 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 Atlantic CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Atlantic 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 really is a concept that is catching on across the country because it keeps out the middleman, ensures farm-fresh produce at affordable prices, and is good for the environment because it minimizes transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions generally run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Atlantic, IA
What are the benefits of joining a Atlantic CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be moved 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 significant advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it is chosen, sorted and sent usually on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Atlantic, because it gets rid of the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Atlantic CSAs help 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.
Atlantic CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Atlantic community. They have really gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They're 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 without breaking the bank, too.
Usually, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Atlantic customers know they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide array 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 a number of 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 manage 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 just about 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 Atlantic
Even if you feel you can't afford to belong to Atlantic CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for those who can not afford to buy a membership for a season. You're working in the fields for a pre-determined period 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 a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Atlantic CSA in your area.