February is National CSA week, hosted by the CSA Innovation Network. What is community supported agriculture and why is it important? CSAs can also be known as ‘crop sharing.” In a CSA model, customers purchase a “share” of a farm’s harvest at the beginning of the growing season. This upfront investment helps farmers secure the income needed to plant and grow their crops. In return, customers receive weekly, biweekly, or monthly boxes of food, with portions based on the size of the share they purchased. Share sizes vary depending on each farm’s offerings and the needs of the customer’s household. Some CSA shares include items such as eggs, meat, jams, breads, or fresh flowers, while others provide strictly produce options. CSAs offer a reliable system for both farmers and customers. Participating customers should be open to seasonal changes and the natural variability of farming, as box contents may shift throughout the season. CSAs are also a great way to learn more about what grows in your region and an opportunity to try new foods.
For National CSA Week, we’re excited to share this great resource on CSAs for both farmers and customers alike. You can check out New Mexico CSAs on our website, however it’s still a little early in New Mexico for CSA sign-ups. Be sure to read next month’s newsletter, highlighting New Mexico CSAs to consider.
