A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for the food-buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce, according to Local Harvest, an online "living" public nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources.
"By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become members (or 'shareholders' or 'subscribers') of the CSA. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some will accept weekly or monthly payments. Some also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season."
To find local fresh produce from farm markets (yes, even in winter), visit the Connecticut Department of Agriculture online.
To see a thriving "oysters community garden" aquaculture program in nearby Long Island, see related story.
For Vermont resources for fresh (open in winter) locations, see www.vermontagriculture.com.
Trivia: Wethersfield was once known as "Oniontown" due to the world-famous Wethersfield red onion crops grown in the dark fertile floodplain soil. The town is located the heart of the Connecticut River valley.
There are almost two million farms in the USA. About 80% of those are small farms, and a large percentage are family owned. To see a map of that distribution, or to add your venture to the listing, visit Local Harvest. View what you can find in your own backyard using the online map search tool (see company image, below).
