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 almost all of us), and the New Ulm farmers who grow them together. This system 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 New Ulm CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for New Ulm 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 is an idea that is catching on throughout the country since it cuts out the middleman, assures farm-fresh produce at affordable 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, dependent on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in New Ulm, MN
What are the benefits of joining a New Ulm CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't need to be transported to a warehouse or group of supermarkets, it's only transferred 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 chosen, sorted and shipped usually on the same day.
Often, it's cheaper than buying produce through] supermarkets in New Ulm, because it eliminates the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. New Ulm CSAs profit the local economy, too, because they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
New Ulm CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your New Ulm community. They've definitely 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.
Usually, the crops are organic, so health-conscious New Ulm individuals know they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide array of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You don't have to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in a number of different 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 managed by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often organize 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 just about everyone involved, plus they are simple to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in New Ulm
Even if you feel you can not afford to belong to New Ulm CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for many who can not afford to buy a membership for a season. You work 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 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 an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining New Ulm CSA in your area.