If you shop farmers markets regularly, you probably know and enjoy the opportunity to meet the farmers who grow your food. Community Supported Agriculture is a way to deepen this connection.
This is the time of year when farmers are buying the seeds and supplies they need to grow crops for the coming season. It’s also the time of year when they have little to sell and little income. Community Supported Agriculture developed to address this predicament by inviting customers to pay now for a “share” of the coming season’s harvest. The share entitles customers to receive a weekly or monthly box of produce throughout the growing season. CSAs are not just for vegetables either. There are also fruit, meat, dairy, and flower CSAs available.
Farmers benefit from the stability of a known customer base and being able to confidently plan what they can grow and sell. Customers, in turn, get an in depth experience (and taste!) of the variety and seasonality one farm can offer.
A CSA share represents an ongoing commitment between the farmer and customer. In most CSA relationships, farmers and customers really do get to know one another, whether by hearing farm news at the share box pick up, or in special sharemember only farm visits and events.
And there’s good news for SNAP customers interested in CSAs. Many farms now accept Oregon Trail cards for buying a CSA share. And just like at the farmers market, you can get matching funds to make your CSA more affordable while helping farmers earn a living. Check out Portland Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition‘s program to match up to $200 for your 2016 CSA!
Montavilla Market vendors offering CSAs include:
- Abundant Fields Farm
- Cerigioli Gardens
- Crooked Furrow Farm
- Deck Family Farm – dairy
- Denison Farms
- Fiddlehead Farm
- Lil’ Starts – vegetable, flower, & herb plant starts.
And check the Portland Area CSA Coalition for even more local farms offering CSAs this season.