Grow or Purchase: The Magic of CSAs
Continued from the September 2022 Newsletter 

Here’s how a CSA typically works: A farmer will offer shares to consumers who want fresh, locally-grown vegetables. Those who choose to join pay for their shares up front which gives the farmer needed capital to use in the earliest stages of the growing season. The amount of weeks is specified as part of the agreement. (I live in Michigan’s Keweenaw so our farmers will have only greens at the beginning, some fresh herbs. In the Lower Peninsula I would imagine that peas and asparagus would be available much sooner than I would expect where I live.)

Running a CSA can mean that a grower does not have to depend on selling only at a farmer’s market which is subject to rainy and colder days when customers may choose not to go out, leaving the farmer with unsold produce. The consumer has the advantage of knowing where their food comes from as well as the possibility of expanding their knowledge and enjoyment of vegetables that they hadn’t used before. (My surprises were kohlrabi and hakurei turnips, a yummy salad turnip.)

Getting the season’s freshest local produce can lead to a healthier, balanced diet. Shareholders have more connection to the land and a better understanding of the farmer’s challenges—especially when an expected crop falls short of the volume of produce the consumer had hoped to receive. Part of the farmer’s risk is the shareholder’s risk as well.

Finally, Michelle Jacokes added that a variation to a traditional CSA has grown out of the movement: Several farmers join together to fill the consumer’s weekly box. That way growers who couldn’t offer a whole box of produce can still participate in the system, adding meat or eggs or berries which could be very appealing to some consumers. So, if joining a CSA appeals to you, I suggest you search for one in your area.

Google it.