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 Douglass 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 Douglass CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Douglass 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 really is an idea which is getting more popular throughout the country given it keeps out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at reasonable 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, depending on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Douglass, KS
What are the benefits of joining a Douglass 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 significant advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it is chosen, sorted and delivered typically on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Douglass, because it gets rid of the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Douglass CSAs benefit the local economy, too, simply because they keep the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Douglass CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Douglass community. They have truly gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They're a great way for farmers to know they're 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 Douglass customers can be certain they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection 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 diverse 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 coordinate 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 almost everybody involved, plus they are easy to start and maintain, so there is no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Douglass
Even if you think you can not afford to belong to Douglass CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for those who can not afford to purchase a membership for a season. You're working in the fields for a pre-determined period of time each week, and find out 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 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's an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Douglass CSA in your area.