A New Kind of "Farm Share"

For two decades now, many farms have been participating in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) -- aka "farm shares".

In recent years CSAs have gained great popularity (dare I even say trendy?) -- which is a good thing, in my opinion.

Here's the general concept. A farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. A share typically consists of a box of vegetables or other farm products (though one of my favorite local Maine farms actually issues your share in the form of a credit to be used on what you want at their farm stand or at the farmer's market). Interested consumers purchase a share and in return receive their "share" of seasonal farm goods throughout the season. It's a win-win, really. Consumers get super-fresh and local food direct from the farmer. Farmers receive money when they need it most--before the product is ready for "market".

My parents participated in a CSA; I've participated in a CSA (when it works for our family). If you haven't participated in one, you should think about it! (Need help finding a CSA opportunity in your area? Click here.)

Well, if you live in Maine, you can now participate in a CSF - Community Supported Fisheries. For $20 a week, you'll have fresh-from-the-boat fish delivered from Port Clyde Fresh Catch (yup, the folks I talked about yesterday) to centrally located pick-up spots in sixteen communities. Get your share today!

Wow - a CSF and a CSA -- what a killer combination. I'm having dreams about fresh fish on the grill served up with local produce....aren't you!?