Raleigh - Organic Produce
What Exactly is a CSA, and how can a CSA help provide fresh, organic, Raleigh-grown produce?
If you haven't heard of a CSA, you're not alone! But the CSA trend is growing quickly - here's what it's all about. 
A CSA is a Community Supported Agriculture Farm. If you're looking for fresh, organic food, straight from local farms in the Raleigh area, this is the way to get it!
The set up varies a little from farmer to farmer.
But basically, CSA subscribers pay a farmer ahead of time for a share of the farm's produce. Then, when harvesting begins (which is usually in May), each subscriber can pick up a weekly portion of freshly harvested organic produce.
Most farms have organized a local pick up station in Raleigh if they are further from the city.
Some farms offer a lower fee in trade for a "Working Share", or a set number of hours of labor on the farm, usually about 12. That actually sounds like fun!
What kinds of produce are available in the Raleigh area?
Try:
Strawberries, herbs, squash, zuchinni, cucumbers, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, kale, greens, eggplants, peppers, peas, watermelon, tomatoes, hot peppers, honey, molasses, and eggs. There's even meat and wild shrimp!
When should you sign up?
Many of the local farms who run CSA programs have long waiting lists. Most CSAs are full by February, and reservations are commonly made in December for the following year's produce. So if you're interested in fresh, local produce, you'll probably want to decide on a farm now and sign up as soon as possible!
Here's just a few of the local farms that offer Community Supported Agriculture programs. Click the links to find out more about fees and produce offered.
Hilltop Farms - Willow Springs NC 919-552-5541
Double-T Farm - Garner, NC 919-215-8915
Coon Rock Farm - Hillsborough, NC 919-732-4168
FreshTables CSA Farm - Apex, NC 919-362-4717
Beausol Gardens - Pittsboro, NC 919-545-0204
Four Can Farm - Pittsboro, NC 919-428-1641
Find a whole list of local Raleigh farms (or farms in any other area across the United States) at www.localharvest.org!
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These are becoming so popular - to find out more about our food industry...anyone who has not read Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma is recommended to do so. It's an eye opener!
Penny, I enjoy going to the farmers market. I just picked up a bag of green tomatoes. Going to cook a mess this evening...
We have a farmers market here in Round Rock as well, Penny. I posted on it several weeks ago. Nothing better than fresh grown!
Steve - This is actually a little different from a farmer's market. Consumers pledge to buy a certain amount of produce before the season begins. Then each week they receive a large portion of the general harvest of whatever is ripe that week. Some farms set each basket up the same, and some allow each consumer to choose from a selection. The amounts paid ahead of time vary too, but most are about $500 for a "full share", without any working time. It's a very unique idea!
Suzanne - With the waiting lists, it sounds like there are more people interested than spots available right now!
Bubba - Have fun cooking those up. How do you cook green tomatoes, anyway?
Just looking at the pictures makes it almost possible to smell the wonderful smells associated with farmers markets
There is also a Little Road Side Farmers market in Fuquay Varina called Vaughs Veggies. Another place to go is downtown Holly Springs on the Weekend to the little local farmers market they have there. Great post!!
Farmers markets are an absolutely great idea for all communities. The consumer benefits from fresh foods and produce which are very good for you, and the local area keeps the money flowing locally, and supports US farmers! Great post!
Michael - farmers markets are a wonderful way to go. The CSA is a little different because the farmer actually gets a yearly purchase committment ahead of time. Some farmers even take "requests" for produce items and grow those particular items! It's very cool....
Brian - Yes, and Vaughns Strawberries is a wonderful pick-your-own farm with fresh berries in May and June! THere are so many little farmer's markets all over the Triangle, with tons of fresh produce!
Jim - Couldn't agree more.