ASAP’s CSA Fair
ASAP’s CSA Fair will return on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at New Belgium Brewing Co.
FYI: that’s also Pi Day.
Most CSA programs are wrapping up for the year, with some extending into late fall. This is a great time of year to start learning about CSA options in your area and think about what you are looking for in your future CSA, such as pick-up days and locations, product offerings, and the farm’s growing practices. You can search for this information and for local farms offering CSA programs in ASAP’s Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.
In the Local Food Guide select categories “Appalachian Grown Farms” and “CSA” and then enter your city, town, or county to find a farm near you offering CSAs. You can also contact ASAP for assistance in finding CSA options in your area.
About ASAP’s CSA Fair:
ASAP’s CSA Fair is an opportunity to meet area farmers face-to-face and learn about their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs and products. At the fair meet with local farmers in a friendly setting and sign up to learn more or bring your checkbook to subscribe right on the spot! Groups from workplaces and religious congregations are encouraged to attend — many participating farms will deliver directly to these locations if there is sufficient demand. All participating farms have pickup/delivery locations in Buncombe County.
As a CSA subscriber or “member,” you typically pay upfront to receive a box of fresh, locally grown produce, meats, flowers or other local products throughout the growing season. By making one payment at the beginning of the season, CSA members make a financial investment in a farm and provide valuable financial support to help that farm cover early production costs like seeds, soil amendments, and equipment repairs. Joining a CSA is a great way to support a local farm, and develop a long term relationship with your farmers!
ASAP’s 2019 CSA Fair Date:
March 14, 2019 (Pi Day!)
Location:
New Belgium Brewing Company, Asheville, NC
About the CSA Fair:
Fair goers will have the opportunity to browse different CSA programs and talk directly with farmers about their offerings. Farms will be set up at individual tables like a farmers market and will share information about their CSA programs, including what products they offer, where and when they deliver, and about their growing practices. The CSA Fair is a great way to learn more about how CSAs work and to meet your local farmers.
Types of Farms at the CSA Fair:
Our CSA Fair will feature Western North Carolina family farms offering vegetable, meat, or flower CSA membership programs with pick up locations in Buncombe County.
2018 Participating farms:
Where do participating farms deliver to?
Participating farms all have designated drop-off or pickup locations in Asheville or Buncombe County. Some farms will also deliver directly to a business or group that commits to a minimum number of shares. Learn about workplace CSA programs and bring community supported agriculture to your business.
Are children welcome?
Yes, children are invited to attend the fair. There will be family-friendly activities and a local food taste test.
Sponsor the fair and show your support for local food and farms!
Show your community that you support local food and farming through a sponsorship of ASAP’s CSA Fair. A sponsorship showcases your business as a champion of the local food movement by demonstrating your commitment to local food, strong farms, and healthy communities. Sponsors will have the ability to table at the fair and be included in event promotions. Contact Robin Lenner at [email protected] for more information on sponsoring the CSA fair or other ASAP events.
What is CSA or Community Supported Agriculture?
CSA is a convenient way to enjoy fresh, locally grown food and connect with the farmers who grow it. Family farms offering traditional CSAs provide the chance to sign up for a growing season and receive a box of produce straight from the farm every week! Most CSAs offer convenient pick-up locations or delivery service.
Find farms offering CSAs throughout Western North Carolina and the Southern Appalachian Mountains in our printed Local Food Guide or online at appalachiangrown.org.
See a snapshot of our 2017 CSA fair below with this great video from WLOS:
