We all love fresh,  locally grown vegetables. But while it’s pleasant to visit your local farmer’s market once in a while, using it for all your grocery needs can be expensive.

If you also have that super eco-friendly foodie in your family, give him or her a whole season of fresh, organic produce and more through community supported agriculture.

Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a mutual agreement between consumers and a farmer that guarantees the farmer a reliable income, and the consumers a share of the farm’s production. Consumers pay in advance for a weekly basket throughout growing season. The baskets usually have enough vegetables, fruits, and even dairy products to feed a family of four, with different options for different size families. There are also options for smaller families. These baskets will be delivered to a local farmer’s market and or any other location that’s convenient for the both of you. Most farmers have multiple delivery locations throughout a metropolitan area. If you’re still not sure what to expect, check out the YouTube video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-e7asz-XE0

Now, there is some risk to this program – a bad season can mean less produce. However, by supporting your farmer through a rougher season, you may receive a sizable payoff during the better seasons, and also develop a close, personal relationship to the person harvesting your food. Not to mention, you’ll always have fresh, tasty, and nutritious vegetables on your table.

If you don’t have a farm in mind (and the chances are that you don’t), Local Harvest is a good place to start. They have a “living” directory of small farms, farmer’s markets, and other local food sources. While you’re at it, why not look for an organic restaurant near you as well?

 

Since this gift is likely to have an impact on your recipient’s lifestyle (or at least their dinner table), it’s a good idea to make sure they have a genuine passion for fresh, organic food. And if that’s the case, a  Community Supported Agriculture Membership will make a perfect experiential gift.

Feature image from Martin Cathrae.

Post image from Cristina.