Why Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is Important for Small Local Farms
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become an increasingly important part of the local food system and is essential for the survival and success of small family-run farms. CSAs allow consumers to purchase directly from farmers and receive locally grown fresh produce, eggs, and even flowers. At our farm in Frederick Colorado, we grow and harvest sustainably grown flowers to provide to our local community. This is a stark contrast to the majority of flowers sold in the US, which are imported from Central and South America. In this blog post, we will explain why CSAs are so important to small local farms.
What is CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model that links members of the community to their local farmers. By joining a CSA, members are investing in their local farm and in return receive the freshest locally grown flowers available. It is a concept developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early 1900’s as a way for society to work collaboratively in regards to agriculture. CSA’s allow farmers to have the necessary funds upfront to buy seeds, compost, and equipment without waiting for the crop to be sold. Members can enjoy the first picks of the harvest in exchange for their investment and support of their local farm.
What are the benefits of a CSA for the Farmer?
Being a part of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative offers several benefits for farmers. Not only does it provide them with an opportunity to get to know their customers, but it also helps improve their cash flow and better plan their resources. The early payments from shareholders allows them to prepare for the new season without worrying about money constraints. As farmers are able to identify their market before the beginning of the season, they can plan more efficiently and reduce any waste of money or crop.
Moreover, CSA initiatives allow farmers to grow a greater variety of flowers, including heirloom varieties. They can focus more on growing beautiful flowers and spend less time marketing during the warmer months. Additionally, by eliminating the middle-man in packaging, transportation, and selling of flowers, farmers can keep more of their profits and reinvest them back into their businesses.
The sustainability of small family-run local farms is closely linked with Community Supported Agriculture. By investing in CSAs, local communities can ensure that fresh and sustainably grown flowers remain available for years to come.
What are the benefits of CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an important part of the local agricultural movement and has several benefits. Through CSAs, local farmers can bring fresh, locally grown flowers to market while reducing transportation pollution and energy usage. Additionally, CSAs help reduce the need for chemical and pesticide use, which can be detrimental to the environment.
The freshness of the flowers sold through our CSA also brings several benefits to consumers. Flowers purchased through our CSA have a longer vase life due to their recent harvesting, and people have the opportunity to experience a greater diversity in the flowers they buy.
In addition to its environmental and aesthetic benefits, CSAs offer an opportunity for people to build relationships within their communities and for new farmers to sell smaller quantities of product. As our friend Gina, from She Grows Flower Farm, states: “Being part of a CSA invites everyone to love the land, its changing seasons, and the beauty it offers.”
At Wozani Farm, we strive to provide our customers with the freshest, most sustainable flowers possible, which is why we practice regenerative agriculture. By joining our CSA program, you will help support small family-run farms and their commitment to bringing beautiful, locally grown flowers to your home!
What are some things to consider before signing up for a CSA?
Before signing up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, it is important to understand that you share the risk associated with farming. With CSAs, members purchase a share of a farm, which means that if Mother Nature provides wonderful weather, then the harvest will be abundant. However, if the weather is less than ideal, everyone shares a smaller harvest or no harvest at all. Severe weather can even destroy an entire field in a matter of minutes, leaving farms in financial hardships.
Given that less than 2% of people in the United States farm today, and 70-80% of the flowers in the United States are imported from South America, signing up for a CSA can ensure you get locally grown and Farm Fresh Flowers. Plus, you will be supporting small family-run local farms and helping ensure their survival and success.
Why you should sign up for a Flower CSA
It's no secret that flowers bring joy and beauty to any space. But what if you could add to that by knowing that the flowers in your home were locally grown and fresher than anything else? Joining a flower CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a great way to get access to farm-fresh flowers while supporting your local agriculture.
Locally grown flowers, as opposed to imported flowers, are typically more affordable and have a longer vase life. By eliminating the middleman, like a florist, you’re able to get the freshest and longest-lasting blooms possible. Plus, you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re doing your part to support the small family-run farms in your community.
When joining a flower CSA, you’ll receive an assortment of locally grown flowers directly from the farm each week, which means that you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of unique and diverse flowers that aren’t typically available from your local supermarket or online florists. You’ll be able to brighten up your home with freshly harvested blooms and experience the beauty of farm-fresh flowers throughout the season.
If you’re looking for a way to support local agriculture and enjoy garden-fresh flowers, consider signing up for a flower CSA. With the direct connection to the farm, you can be sure that you’re getting the best quality flowers while contributing to the success of local family-run farms.