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, (which is just about all of us), and the Ranchos De Taos 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 Ranchos De Taos CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Ranchos De Taos CSA subscribers. As opposed to having to wade through the produce section every 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 an idea that's getting more popular around the country given 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 live.
Benefits of CSAs in Ranchos De Taos, NM
What are the advantages of joining a Ranchos De Taos CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be moved to a warehouse or group of supermarkets, it's only moved 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 is chosen, sorted and sent generally on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Ranchos De Taos, because it does away with the middleman and joins the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Ranchos De Taos CSAs help the local economy, too, because they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Ranchos De Taos CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Ranchos De Taos community. They have truly 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 are a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products without breaking the bank, too.
Generally, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Ranchos De Taos consumers can be certain they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide variety 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 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 handled by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often organize 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's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Ranchos De Taos
Even if you feel you cannot afford to belong to Ranchos De Taos CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for those who can't afford to buy a membership for a season. You're employed in the fields for a pre-determined period 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!
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 is a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Ranchos De Taos CSA in your area.