ASAP’s annual CSA Fair will take place on March 8, 3-5:30 p.m., at the YWCA of Asheville, highlighting farms with a CSA pickup location in Buncombe County. In addition to traditional produce CSAs, the fair will include farms with specialty CSA products, such as meat or flowers. The fair is relaxed setting where attendees chat with farmers about their products, growing practices, payment structure, and more. Attendees can sign up for a CSA during the fair or follow up with farmers later. The fair will also feature local food tastings and activities for kids, as well as produce and food products available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public. The YWCA is located at 185 S. French Broad Ave. in Asheville. Participating farms will be announced in late February.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It connects you, the consumer, directly with a local farm by purchasing weekly “shares” of a farm’s harvest upfront at the beginning of a season. With that commitment early on, the farmer is able to invest in the growing season. The traditional seasonal CSA is similar to a subscription. You’ll receive a regular—most often weekly—share of produce or other farm goods at the height of their season. Learn more about CSAs here!