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 Tohatchi 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 Tohatchi CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Tohatchi CSA subscribers. Rather than having to wade through the produce section each week farmers do the work 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 an idea which is increasing in popularity across the country since it keeps out the middleman, guarantees 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, based on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Tohatchi, NM
What are the advantages of joining a Tohatchi 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 significant advantage is that the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it is picked, sorted and shipped generally on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Tohatchi, because it gets rid of the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Tohatchi CSAs benefit 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.
Tohatchi CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Tohatchi community. They've truly taken off 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.
Usually, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Tohatchi customers 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 need to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many distinct cities to make 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 organize 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 just about everybody involved, and they're easy to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Tohatchi
Even if you feel you cannot afford to belong to Tohatchi CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for people who can't afford to buy 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!
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's a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Tohatchi CSA in your area.