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“A growing number or people around the nation are investing in shares of a local farmer’s crop, reducing trips to the supermarket and the cost of shipping food.”
“It makes sense that you would save gas on broccoli grown 30 miles away versus California,” said Rob Goldman, 53, a doctor from the Milwaukee suburb of Whitefish Bay.
“Goldman will participate this summer in a community-supported agriculture program, or CSA. Members buy a share of the farmer’s crop, usually for $500 to $600, and receive a box of vegetables and fruits each week during the summer and fall. A box typically feeds three or four people for a week, although many farms offer half-shares for individuals or couples.”
“Many farmers say they can sell as many shares as they can offer. Elise Margoles, 32, sold the 100 shares she offers at Elysian Fields Farm in Cedar Grove, N.C., in one week and now has a waiting list.”
“More than 700 people showed up at a March fair in Milwaukee that helps match first-time CSA participants with farmers, said Jamie Ferschinger, community program coordinator at the Urban Ecology Center, which hosted the fair. Since then, she has received dozens of calls from people who want to join CSAs but can’t find one with shares still available.”
“It’s not a cheap way to buy foods,” Goldman said. “But I think the sort of premium you are paying is sort of reduced because food has gone up, vegetables have gone up, and I think a lot of that is trucking it from California.”
“CSA farmers and members save on gas by dropping off and picking up produce at central locations.”
“CSA farmers reap a number of benefits. With money paid up front, they don’t have to take out loans to buy fertilizer and seed or worry about demand and prices at harvest time.”