The time is coming for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs to be in season, so we thought we would give you a glimpse into what they are and how they work. We think CSAs are a wonderful concept, as they not only benefit local farmers, but can be quite rewarding to the consumers as well.

A Community Supported Agriculture program is one in which the consumer can purchase a certain number of shares or a membership  to access  local farmers’ crops for the season. For instance many CSA programs work so that you pay for a membership in the beginning of the season, and you will be delivered “a box” of fresh local vegetables every week. For the farmers this is great, because they get customers up front, an up front income to help support the rest of the season, and a better relationship with their surrounding community.

For the customers, this program is ideal because they will consistently receive local and super-fresh produce every week. You won’t be able to get everything this fresh at your supermarket. CSA’s allow for consumers to have a better knowledge of the food they are eating, and they even open up doors of opportunity to try new vegetables or fruits! For instance, many farmers come from all over the world and even plant their own native fruits and vegetables along with the typical local variety in your own community. Consumers can support their local communities by joining a CSA program.

To find a local CSA in your area visit LocalHarvest.org and enter your zip code or state. A very popular program in our area (Lowell, Massachusetts) is the World PEAS CSA which supports local farmers in the Lowell area. Tufts University’s New Entry program helped establish World PEAS CSA to help immigrant and refugee farmers to sell their products for a better income and to establish a solid foundation for their future. Education and training programs are offered by New Entry to help these farmers improve their companies and their skills.

Do you participate in a CSA program? Tell us what you think about it!

Most of us go to busy supermarkets to purchase our overpriced and non-local food each week. This annoyance can be avoided by growing some of your fruits and vegetables at home, even if you live in an apartment. All you need is a space that has access to sunlight. Of course, the more space you have available the more you can grow. Some plants that can grow in small spaces include the following: any small squash or melon, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, onions, garlic, and more. Using excess water, and disappointment in your gardening progress, can be dodged by making sure that your choice of plant is adaptive to your local climate. Seeds can be found at most markets for a very low price or at Amazon.com.

Are you ready to be a farmer and save some money? Let us know what kind of plant you chose for your location.

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