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 just about all of us), and the North Valley farmers who grow them together. The 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 North Valley CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for North Valley CSA subscribers. Rather than needing to wade through the produce section weekly 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 which is increasing in popularity throughout 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 usually run from early May through September or October, based on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in North Valley, NM
What are the benefits of joining a North Valley 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 advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it is picked, sorted and shipped usually on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in North Valley, because it eliminates the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. North Valley CSAs profit the local economy, too, since they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
North Valley CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your North Valley 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 are 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.
Generally, the crops are organic, so health-conscious North Valley customers can be certain they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection 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 a number of diverse cities to be 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 coordinate 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 just about everyone involved, and they're easy to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in North Valley
Even if you think you can't afford to belong to North Valley CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for many who can't afford to buy a membership for a season. You're working in the fields for a pre-determined amount of time each week, and learn 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 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 North Valley CSA in your area.