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 New London 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 New London CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for New London CSA subscribers. Rather than 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 given it keeps out the middleman, ensures 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, depending on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in New London, MO
What are the advantages of joining a New London CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't need to be transferred 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 advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, since it is selected, sorted and sent typically on the same day.
Often, it's cheaper than buying produce through] supermarkets in New London, because it gets rid of the middleman and joins the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. New London CSAs profit the local economy, too, since they keep your revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
New London CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your New London community. They have truly taken off in the last few years, and for good reason. They're 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 London individuals 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 have to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many distinct 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 whether 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 New London
Even if you think you can't afford to belong to New London CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for those who can't afford to buy a membership for a season. You work 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 is a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining New London CSA in your area.