Living off the land: CSAs

Farmer's Markets are one way of treating ourselves to the toils of local farmers - and benefitting the local economy. Wanna go a step further? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) gives you a chance to buy directly from a farmer! Here's how it works: A Farmer offers "shares" (like the stock market) in his produce to the public. Each week throughout the season, consumers receive their dividends in the form of a box (bag, bushel, or basket) of seasonal produce. Depending on the farm, the good aren't confined to produce - eggs, bread, milk, cheese, and even flowers can be included.

CSA's are so popular lately that there may be more demand than CSA farmers to fill it. So you want to get in on the action? Weigh the risks and rewards, and find out more about CSAshere.

What's the risk?
•Subscribers are all in it together with shared risk. If the farmer has a bad harvest year, you shares are leaner and your boxes are lighter.
•You must accept without complaint what the farm can produce.
 

What's the reward?
•Food is uber-fresh!
•You'll try new things you might not buy at the grocery store.
•You'll finally understand the concept of 'in-season'.
•You may get to visit the farm and connect with the farmer who is growing your food.
 

Let us suggest some nearby CSA's to consider:
Bull Run Mountain Vegetable Farm (The Plains, VA) - this is the oldest continuously operating CSA in the DC area!

Claggett Farm (Upper Marlboro, MD) - Synergistic and socially responsible. Claggett distributes 40% of their produce to low income individuals in the DC area.

7th Street Garden (Washington, DC) - one of the few CSA's operating within the District, members of their Green Tomorrows Program receive a weekly grocery bag of in-season produce: fruits, veggies, and herbs!

Great Country Farms (Blumont, VA) - Great Country offers home delivery (most are pick-up) for a price, which may be worth it for the peaches, strawberries, apples and pears.

Norman's Farm Market (Chevy Chase, MD) - Norman's is nice! They include recipe cards to help you prepare that seasonal produce you may not be used to buying.

*Some quick tips for potential CSA subscribers:
1) Don't expect all of your produce to come from the CSA. One farmer can't specialize in all the types of vegetables you care to eat, and most don't trade in fruit, so expect to supplement your share with some trips to the store.
2) Prepare to eat seasonally. You may be surprised to find out that tomatoes are not always in season. What you'll get in your box from the CSA is what can be grown, now. Take advantage!
3) Quantity varies. Near the beginning of the season, boxes may be lighter than when its in full harvest, so plan accordingly. Consider canning or freezing vegetables for use when they are more abundant to store for later use