What's a CSA?
A CSA, also known as a Community Supported Agriculture Program, is a program with the goal to put people who use farm-grown products, (and that's most of us), and the Bergenfield farmers who grow them together. This system works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can get a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Bergenfield CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Bergenfield 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 is a concept which is getting more popular throughout the country since it cuts out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at reasonable prices, and is good for the environment because it decreases transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions primarily run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Bergenfield, NJ
What are the benefits of joining a Bergenfield CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be transported 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 significant advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as possible, since it is selected, sorted and shipped usually on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Bergenfield, because it does away with the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Bergenfield CSAs help the local economy, too, simply because they keep your revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Bergenfield CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Bergenfield community. They've really gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They are a great way for farmers to know they will 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 Bergenfield customers can be sure they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide array of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You don't need to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many 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 managed by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often arrange their own CSAs, too. If you know a farmer, determine if they're offering a CSA program, and if they're not, give them a hint! These programs benefit almost everybody involved, plus they are simple to start and maintain, so there is no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Bergenfield
Even if you think you can not afford to belong to Bergenfield CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for people who can't afford to purchase 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's an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Bergenfield CSA in your area.