They’re called CSAs and you talk about deals, especially if you enjoy fresh produce and meats and want to support our local farmers.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.

Basically, you’re going to receive fruits and vegetables weekly as they come into season, right out of the dirt, so to speak, and onto your doorstep. Or to a drop off point where you can pick it up.

Post Post Apple Scientific in North East has been in the CSA business for years. And according to the website, there are a list of advantages to joining.

“The produce you receive is harvested within the day of delivery; being picked either the night before or the morning of the delivery. Another positive is, the produce, being harvested while it is still in a young stage when the vitamin content is the highest. The other aspect of our CSA is the huge reduction of pesticide usage. That usage on our farm last year amounted to four sprays with most of the materials being cleared as ‘organic certified’. In fact, there were so many lady bugs eating aphids, it was amazing.”

Check out the Post website for more details about joining.

More exciting news on the CSA front. You can now sign up for shares of all-natural meats, including chicken, beef and pork. Parable Farms is now offering CSA shares on its website.  I spent some time last summer on the Sherman-based farm with Laiv and his communal family, and was impressed with the care they give their animals. Check out their website for more information.

For a list of local farms, click here.