Community Supported Agriculture
A Great Way for Families to Have Fun Together and Support a Farm
A community supported agriculture farm is fun and rewarding. You work with other locals in raising a farm of your own. Learn more about this opportunity for your family.
A community supported agriculture (CSA) farm is a way for families and other locals in a particular town to have a farm that they share. Members of a CSA farm pay for a share of the harvest in advance to buy the supplies needed to keep a farm going. In return, each member reaps the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables during the growing season. Another advantage to a CSA farm is that you get to plant what you want, but can also indulge in the other fruits and vegetables from other members, and the opportunity to try produce that you otherwise would never had tried.
Families looking for better food options are anxious to participate in CSA farm since most of the harvest is organic produce. With the rising concern of the use of pesticides, a CSA farm provides a way to have natural foods only touched by Mother Nature. It also encourages kids to try new things because they get to know the other families, and that makes them more willing to try the different things being grown by others. If your child would normally turn his nose up at fresh green beans in the store, he might just be willing to try Mrs. Smith's green beans because he likes her.
The price to be a member of a CSA farm varies on many conditions. Each member has say in the upcoming year's budget to decide on how much it will cost each individual family. The cost of seeds, water supply, and other factors play a very heavy role in how much it will cost.
It is fun to experiment with different fruits and vegetables on the farm. You get to know what climates grow certain foods better. If the members agree, you can even spend extra money to grow flowers on the farm. It is a definite cooperation effort by all members.
A CSA farm is also a great way to cultivate friendships. Kids meet other kids who have similar interests in the farm. Families meet at pickup spots to get their fruits and vegetables, and sometimes there can be up to 40 or more families meeting at one place. Members will make recipes with their fresh produce to share. They also share hints and tips for growing produce. It is like one huge happy family.
You can visit the United States Department of Agriculture to find if there is a CSA farm near you, or if you want information on how to start one in your town. One of our own Suite101 members shares her experience with a CSA farm.
