Smart farming saves money
 CHARLESTON, S.C. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Across America, small and mid-size farms struggle to compete with their big corporate competitors that slash prices to fill the produce section in your grocery store. Now, smaller farms are beginning to thrive again by listening to what Americans want. In a country that's starting to care more about their food and where it comes from, small farmers have found a new niche.At age 26, Rita Bachmann has been farming for five years. "This is my office. I come here every day and do my work," Bachmann told Ivanhoe. Bachmann is among a growing number of farmers running community supported agriculture programs, or CSA's. "We have shareholders, who are our customers, who buy a share at the beginning of the season," said Bachmann. For $325 up front, customers get a large box of produce weekly for 13 weeks. "In the spring, it takes a lot of money to invest in the seeds and fertilizer. So you need that investment money," Bachmann said.
CSA's are a booming business. Consumers want fresh, local produce and they're willing to take the risks to get it. If a storm wipes out the harvest, both farmers and consumers are left high and dry. But ... "If we have a boon of a harvest, then they get a lot of produce," said Ambrose. It's also cheaper. You'll spend at least $150 more during a 13 week season if you buy the same produce at a store -- and that's if you can find it. "There's not a big selection in the grocery stores. Nothing like this," Becky Stallworth, a CSA member, told Ivanhoe.
And the fact that it was picked just hours ago makes every bite that much sweeter. If you would like more information, please contact: |
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October 12, 2008
- Roseburg, Oregon
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Farmer Babs Ambrose nearly shut down her farm last year due to financial strain. She started a CSA instead. "It will keep us alive. It will keep us farming," Ambrose told Ivanhoe. 
Stallworth had never seen broccoli rabe or tatsoi before, but this week, she's eating it. "It's a learning experience for us all so I'm excited about that part of it," said Stallworth.
