County's new era of agriculture evolves

Subscribers to the Potter County CSA receive weekly supplies of fresh produce grown by local farmers enrolled in the program. This year's signup deadline is April 20.

What is CSA, you ask?

Community Sustained Agriculture is growing across America. It's a relationship of mutual support and commitment between local farmers and community members.

Ultimately, CSA creates agriculture-supported communities by:

--providing farmers with direct outlets for products;

--ensuring farmers fair compensation;

--strengthening local economies, keeping food dollars in local communities;

--allowing consumers to have a personal connection with their food and the land on which it was produced;

--making available nutritious, affordable, wholesome foods grown and distributed in an economically viable and ecologically responsible manner.

CSA has available full shares (which provide enough food weekly for a family of four) and half shares (for two people). Annual membership fees average between $20 and $30 per week. Basket contents change as the growing season evolves. Subscriptions last over the duration of local growing season, approximately 22 weeks, mid-May through mid-October.

In addition to fresh produce, buyers can supplement their weekly orders with "value-added" items, including baked goods, jams and jellies, canned goods, pickles, relishes, sauces, eggs, flowers and herbs.

To learn more about joining the CSA, send an email to Jim Reed at info@food-matrix.org or contact the Potter County Education Council at 274-4877, 435-9490 or 642-2295. Memberships are limited and the deadline is April 30.