Sign Up Now for Farm-Fresh Local Produce through Community Supported Agriculture Farms

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) encourages Marylanders to consider joining a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm this year to support local farmers while receiving healthy, fresh produce all summer long. CSA members pay an upfront subscription fee to farmers in return for a share of the season’s harvest, which is usually provided weekly. For convenience, many CSAs deliver to central locations for pick up closer to subscriber’s home or work on a certain day of the week. Still others have special rates if the subscriber helps with the harvest on the farm.

“CSAs are another way for residents to buy fresh, nutritious food directly from local farmers and to better understand how our food is grown,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “This is the time of year to join a CSA and enjoy the bounty of local farms all summer. By purchasing local food, consumers are helping to keep land in farming rather than development.”

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service most recent agricultural census (2007), there were 161 farms in Maryland marketing their products through Community Supported Agriculture. In the United States, there are 12,549 CSAs.

CSA memberships typically fill up fast so sign up fast. Check out the CSA listings to see which arrangement, pricing, variety of products, and pick-up location will work best for your family and act now to reserve your spot. MDA’s Maryland’s Best web site currently lists 90 farms that have CSA programs. To find a CSA farm near you, go to www.MarylandsBest.net.

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EDITOR: These are links to short videos featuring Maryland CSAs.

Homestead Farms Inc, A CSA in Queen Anne’s County – http://youtu.be/lqiugFNptWQ

Even Star Organic Farm, A CSA in St. Mary’s County – http://youtu.be/R6IOUVHytOM