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 most of us), and the Eagle farmers who grow them together. This program works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can buy a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Eagle CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Eagle CSA subscribers. Rather than 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 really is a concept that is catching on around the country because 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 generally run from early May through September or October, based on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in Eagle, WI
What are the benefits of joining a Eagle CSA program? Well, the produce does not have to be transported 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 benefit is the produce is just about as fresh as possible, since it is selected, sorted and delivered typically on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Eagle, because it eliminates the middleman and joins the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Eagle CSAs benefit 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.
Eagle CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Eagle community. They've definitely gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They're 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 having to break the bank, too.
Primarily, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Eagle individuals know they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection 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 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 coordinate their own CSAs, too. If you know a farmer, find out if they're offering a CSA program, and if they're not, give them a hint! These programs benefit just about everybody involved, plus they are simple to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Eagle
Even if you feel you can not afford to belong to Eagle CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for people who can not 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 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's an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Eagle CSA in your area.