Supporting farmers through Community Supported Agriculture

“CSA” stands for “community supported agriculture”… but what does that mean? A “CSA” is typically described as a farm with a once-a-week or biweekly box full of local foods, typically fruits and veggies that are in season, delivered to your door or picked up at the farm. Often, these are paid for in the spring as a “share” of the farm.

Every CSA operates just a bit differently. Some deliver right to your door, others have pick up. Some have fruit and vegetables only, others have proteins or jams. Some are built to feed 2 people, while some are built to feed a full family. Some pick all of the fruits and veggies for you, while others allow you to pick and choose options. Each farm chooses the way they manage their boxes to accommodate the customers in their area.

CSA’s are valuable to the community for many reasons.

You’re supporting the small local farmer in your com- munity. By buying from a local producer, you’re keeping those dollars in the community rather than spread around the nation. You’re also providing income for a local neighbor. In an article by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, for every dollar of income spent directly to a farmer, other local businesses will generate $.48 of income through a multiplier effect.

It encourages more fruit and vegetable consumption. A lot of people buy the same products over and over from the grocery store because it is what they are used to. CSA’s challenge you to explore new foods.

You’re eating in season. CSA’s sell what they’re able to grow, so you are eating products that are meant to be eaten in those seasons.

It saves you money! The average family saves money by participating in a CSA. The farmers are able to cut out the middle man and transportation costs to provide the food directly to you, the consumer. It also ensures less food waste because they send you enough for your order number.

Helps the farmer cash flow. The farmers typically work around 16 hour days in the summer. They don’t have time to market their produce. By providing them with some of their cash flow in the spring, they are able to purchase their seeds, plants, etc to prepare for the season.

Madison County has a variety of CSA’s. Each CSA is our county is run slightly different; some including delivery and some being farm pick up. Some of them are vegetable and fruit only, others are “whole meal” CSA’s including eggs, meats, and even milk. For a list of CSA’s in Madison County, go to www.madisoncountyfarms.com and search CSA.

Madison County has avarietyof CSA’s. Each CSA is our county is run slightly different; some including delivery and some being farmpick up.

PHOTO SCOURTESY CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF MADISON COUNTY Community supported agriculture helps keep local farmers in business while providing locally-grown food to consumers.

Community supported agriculture helps keep local farmers in business while providing locally-grown food to consumers.