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's just about all of us), and the Cabin John 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 Cabin John CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Cabin John CSA subscribers. As opposed to 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 is a concept that is increasing in popularity throughout the country because it keeps out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at reasonable prices, and is good for the environment because it cuts down transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions usually run from early May through September or October, depending on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in Cabin John, MD
What are the advantages of joining a Cabin John CSA program? Well, the produce does not 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 key benefit is the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it is selected, sorted and shipped usually on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Cabin John, because it eliminates the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Cabin John CSAs profit the local economy, too, since they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Cabin John CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Cabin John 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 are going to have a market for their crops, but they are a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products without breaking the bank, too.
Primarily, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Cabin John consumers know they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection 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 make sure 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 maintained by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often organize 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 almost everybody involved, and they are easy to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Cabin John
Even if you think you cannot afford to belong to Cabin John CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for those 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!
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 Cabin John CSA in your area.