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 is almost all of us), and the Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Shenandoah CSA subscribers. Rather than 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 is getting more popular across the country because it keeps out the middleman, assures farm-fresh produce at reasonable prices, and is good for the environment because it cuts down transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions primarily run from early May through September or October, based on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Shenandoah, LA
What are the advantages of joining a Shenandoah CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't need to be transferred 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 advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it's selected, sorted and shipped generally on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Shenandoah, because it does away with the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Shenandoah CSAs profit the local economy, too, simply because they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Shenandoah CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Shenandoah community. They've really taken off 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 are a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products having to break the bank, too.
Usually, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Shenandoah consumers can be sure they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide variety 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 ensure 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 handled by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often coordinate 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 everyone involved, plus they are easy to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Shenandoah
Even if you feel you cannot afford to belong to Shenandoah CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for many who can't afford to purchase a membership for a season. You're working in the fields for a pre-determined amount 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 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 Shenandoah CSA in your area.