From Green Right Now Reports
As we contemplate that vast swath of un-prepped garden turf and weedy herb pots in the backyard, the question naturally arises: Is it too late to join a CSA – where you can buy a share of a farmer’s harvest during the growing months?
CSAs provide you with local food; you support area farmers
The answer is no. While many CSAs (for Community Support Agriculture) sell out the fall before, and even encourage pre-sales so they can fine-tune the size of their gardens, the growing number of CSAs and expanding existing CSAs are making this form of local food buying more available. We sampled some metro areas on LocalHarvest.org and found that many CSAs are still offering subscriptions.
But it is March. It is time now to secure a piece of the farm.
- In New York, we found that the The Midsummer Farm in Warwick, Northwest of New York City, is selling its Vital Health Super Share ($1,195) of veggies, herbs and artisanal cooking ingredients. The farm also is selling a CSA plan of regular produce baskets for 16 weeks for $625.
- Los Angeles residents enjoy year-round CSAs. Several have memberships that are open. One, the Tierra Miguel Foundation, offers year-round full share ($2,100) and half share ($1,050) CSA memberships that come with delivery to more than 30 drop-off locations in the Greater LA region.
- In Chicago, we found Harvest Moon Farms, which is selling 20-week shares for $695 each. The Wisconsin farm also delivers to metro Chicago drop-off spots. This multiple farm CSA also offers certified Organic eggs.
- In San Francisco, you could join the My Farm CSA,where local food gets even more local. This decentralized CSA grows fruits and veggies in “a backyard near you” with several locations for pick up in the area. A subscription is $455 for a 13-week share.
- Raleigh residents, like those in Southern California, enjoy a warmer climate with a rich supply of local produce farms and a good availability of CSAs. Taylee Farms, a newer CSA which offers full subscriptions for $600 a year, is just one that is seeking new members. Like many other CSAs, requires some sweat equity or garden work time from members. But not all CSAs work this way; check yours to see the requirements of membership.
To find a CSA, or a farm or farmers market near you, check LocalHarvest or Rodale’s New Farm Locator.