Locally grown, farm-fresh produce is just a few clicks away, thanks to the return of a virtual event that aims to connect shoppers to small-scale farms in their communities.
The second annual virtual Michigan CSA Fair will be held Friday, February 26 on Zoom. The event is hosted by the Michigan Statewide CSA Network, a collaboration between Michigan State University Extension, the non-profit Michigan Food and Farming Systems, and the Traverse City-based food marketing agency Taste the Local Difference.
The event is open-house style, with two drop-in sessions: a “lunch hour” from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and a “happy hour” session from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free, though registration through MSU Extension is required.
CSA, which stands for “community supported agriculture,” functions like subscription programs to local farms. Customers pay up front, usually at the start of the growing season, to purchase a share of the farm’s seasonal production, such as vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, flowers, or other goods.
During this year’s CSA Fair, participants can join regional breakout rooms to find CSA programs in their area, or join a “CSA 101″ information room to learn the basics before connecting with a local farm.
Kelly Wilson, director of community partners with Taste the Local Difference, said that because CSA shares are typically purchased in spring, they help support farmers with critical early-season funds.
Plus, in an era of large-scale food systems, it’s a great way to know exactly where one’s food is coming from.
“CSA programs are a unique opportunity for consumers to get to know a local farm while receiving a consistent supply of farm-fresh produce throughout the growing season,” Wilson said. “They are fun opportunities to try new-to-you foods and, while all CSAs are unique, many provide recipes and preparation tips to help you use your share.”
To learn more about the event and to register, click here.
The Link LonkFebruary 11, 2021 at 08:01PM
https://www.mlive.com/news/2021/02/want-fresh-produce-this-summer-find-local-farms-at-this-virtual-csa-fair.html
Want fresh produce this summer? Find local farms at this virtual CSA fair - MLive.com
https://news.google.com/search?q=fresh&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
No comments:
Post a Comment