High Gas Prices- Drive Local Produce

Local growers are banking on a big year as gas prices soar. The Community Supported Agriculture group, otherwise known as CSA offers a way for you to support and indulge in locally grown produce.

The CSA program has been around for years, all people have to do is sign-up, pay a fee, and for the next 20-weeks or so you can have fresh fruits, veggies and flowers sent your door. So far this year, one local farm has several people *already interested.

Jim Lewis of Jacksonville, likes that local produce goes from the farm, to the truck, to the customer, "Think it's a good thing to support local agricultural you don't have to truck it. It's fresher and you don't have fuel costs and it's a wide variety as a rule."

This is Lewis's third year as a CSA member and he says rising gas prices are keeping local growers competitive and Fry Family Farms agrees.

Laurie Hultquist says at Fry Family Farms, they have to battle the rising costs at the pump, but she says its nice that the community finally recognizes how most grocery stores fill their produce shelves, "That whole idea, of our consumption ,with the gas prices going up as much as they are, it's making people be more aware of the fact that, we have to pay attention to how we're getting what we're getting."

Each CSA member has their choice of farm and package deal. Hultquist says the idea of locals supporting area farmers has been around for years, "Kind of the idea is that, people put forth to subscribe for your farm and they are on good faith saying they want to support your farm and then throughout the season, they will get a weekly delivery."

The Fry Family Farm offers veggies, fruits, and a fresh bouquet of flowers in their weekly box.

As for prices, each farm varies. Sign-up to become a member has already started and Thursday night starting at 7pm, the CSA is holding an informational meeting at RoxyAnn Winery.

For a full list of participating farms and to find out more about the program visit my blog here at ktvl.com.