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, (which is almost all of us), and the Eagle 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 Eagle CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Eagle CSA subscribers. Instead of needing to wade through the produce section each 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 a concept that's increasing in popularity around the country since it cuts out the middleman, ensures farm-fresh produce at affordable prices, and is good for the environment because it cuts down transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions generally run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in Eagle, NE
What are the benefits of joining a Eagle CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be transferred 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 benefit is that the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it's chosen, sorted and shipped typically on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Eagle, because it does away with the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Eagle CSAs profit the local economy, too, since they keep the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Eagle CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Eagle community. They've truly gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They are 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.
Primarily, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Eagle consumers can be certain they are 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 many distinct cities to be 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 managed 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, and they are easy to start and maintain, so there is no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Eagle
Even if you feel you cannot afford to belong to Eagle CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for those who can not afford to buy a membership for a season. You're employed 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 Eagle CSA in your area.