Benefits of CSA:
- You regain control of your food by knowing WHO is producing it and HOW and WHERE it is produced (in fact, farms typically welcome visits and tours).
- You experience the satisfaction of reconnecting with the land and participating directly in the production of your own food.
- You get to discover new foods and ways to cook them.
- CSA farms practice sustainable and, often, organic farming practices.
- Eating fresh, locally grown food not only enhances the food's flavor, it increases the vitamin and mineral content since it hasn't spent days or weeks in transport to the supermarket.
- Eating seasonally is better for your body. For instance, summer crops have cooling properties, whereas winter goods have a warming affect on your body. This makes it easier for our bodies to digest, and essentially, to function.
- Many farms offer additional options, such as fresh eggs, dairy or meat.
For all of the great benefits, there are some risks involved with community supported agriculture. The farmer's worries become the member's worries. If, say, a tornado wipes out the turnips, there will be no more turnips. If the farmer loses a few crops because of drought or pests, members will receive less food from the harvest. It's up to each individual to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Click here for a more detailed description of community supported agriculture.
