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 just about all of us), and the North Myrtle Beach 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 North Myrtle Beach CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for North Myrtle Beach CSA subscribers. Instead of 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 an idea that's getting more popular around the country given it cuts out the middleman, ensures farm-fresh produce at reasonable prices, and is good for the environment because it decreases transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions generally run from early May through September or October, based on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in North Myrtle Beach, SC
What are the advantages of joining a North Myrtle Beach CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't need 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 key advantage is that the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it is selected, sorted and shipped generally on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in North Myrtle Beach, because it gets rid of the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. North Myrtle Beach CSAs benefit the local economy, too, simply because they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
North Myrtle Beach CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your North Myrtle Beach community. They have definitely gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They are a great way for farmers to know they're going to have a market for their crops, but they are 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 North Myrtle Beach consumers know they're 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 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 maintained 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 everybody involved, and they are easy to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in North Myrtle Beach
Even if you think you can not afford to belong to North Myrtle Beach CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for many who can not 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 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 North Myrtle Beach CSA in your area.