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Submitted by Community Farm Land Trust

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Consider buying a share from an area farm by purchasing a CSA this year! Enjoy a box of fresh, yummy produce (sometimes fruit and flowers), recipes, and other special add-ons depending on which farm you choose. CSAs differ in size for individual/family needs and how many weeks they are offered. Many farms allow customers sliding scales, payment plans, and/or accept EBT/WIC for CSA purchases.

Usually, a flat fee is paid to a farm at the beginning of the season, and participants get fresh farm products at agreed-upon intervals (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly). There are many different options for CSA distribution such as picking up your CSA box at a local farmers market, city-wide neighborhood drop-sites, farm pick-ups, and even delivery options are available. “The carbon footprint is completely reduced when your customers are within such a short distance,” explains Evan Berry of Ladyberry Produce.

Photo courtesy: Community Farm Land Trust’s 2022 Fresh From The Farm Guide

Buying a CSA means that money goes directly to the farm. Farms are able to invest more in their farm business and continue to grow more food for our communities. Helsing Junction Farm shares the importance of this concept, “When farms sell their products through a conventional grocery store, they only receive 30% of the sale. Through CSAs and farm stands, they receive 100%! CSAs create a trusting relationship between local people and a local farm. In turn, farms are able to provide their workers with a living wage and invest in sustainable farming methods.” This arrangement provides financial security for farmers and gives community members the opportunity to share in both the risks and bounty of the harvest.

Photo courtesy: Community Farm Land Trust’s 2022 Fresh From The Farm Guide

Support your local farmers during CSA Week on February 20-26, 2022 and throughout the year.

Community Farm Land Trust (CFLT), located in Olympia, WA, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving farmland and keeping it farmed forever with a mission to promote vibrant local food and farming systems through community supported farmland preservation strategies, educational outreach, and partnerships that increase opportunities for farms and farmers to flourish. CFLT’s free community resource, the Fresh From The Farm Guide, will be available at many locations throughout Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties and online in March 2022.

Photo courtesy: CSA Innovation Network

The CSA Guide includes a quick reference by distribution area.

For more information contact:

Jeanine Toth
Development Manager
Community Farm Land Trust
jeanine@sscflt.org

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