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 Wolfeboro farmers who grow them together. This program works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can purchase a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Wolfeboro CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Wolfeboro CSA subscribers. As opposed to needing to wade through the produce section each week farmers do the job 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's a concept which is getting more popular around the country given it keeps 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 usually run from early May through September or October, based on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in Wolfeboro, NH
What are the advantages of joining a Wolfeboro CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be moved 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 you can get, since it is selected, sorted and delivered generally on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Wolfeboro, because it eliminates the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Wolfeboro CSAs help 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.
Wolfeboro CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Wolfeboro community. They have really gained popularity 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're a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products having to break the bank, too.
Generally, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Wolfeboro consumers know they're 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 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 arrange 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, and they're simple to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Wolfeboro
Even if you feel you can not afford to belong to Wolfeboro CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for many who can not afford to buy a membership for a season. You're employed in the fields for a pre-determined period 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 Wolfeboro CSA in your area.