by Whitney Flach
Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture is encouraging Iowans to join a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
This program gives access to fresh, locally grown produce throughout the growing season.
Iowa has seen significant growth in the number of CSAs in the last ten years.
?CSAs are a great opportunity to partner with a farmer and share in the harvest of fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables.? Northey said.
Through CSAs, farmers sell a certain number of subscriptions, or shares, and then provide a portion of their harvest to those members.
CSA members typically receive a box or bag of fresh produce, but some farms may offer products such as eggs, honey, baked goods, meat, herbs, or flowers.