Constitution State News

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is encouraging residents to celebrate National CSA Week from February 16-22, 2025, by subscribing to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership. The CT Grown program promotes the consumption and accessibility of locally grown farm products, offering a variety of options such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, cut flowers, meat, dairy, and even shellfish.

Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt emphasized the benefits of joining a CSA program: “Investing in a CSA program is a commitment to local small businesses, and yourself. It’s a way to build a personal connection with the people who grow your food – you’ll know exactly where it comes from, who grows it, what farming practices were used, and when it was harvested.”

Purchasing a CSA share at the beginning of the season makes you a member of the farm for that season. This investment assists farmers with startup costs such as seeds and livestock care. In return, members receive regular shares of the farm's harvest.

Connecticut's diverse agriculture landscape means CSAs offer more than just produce. Options include cut flowers, eggs, meat, dairy products like honey and jams. To find nearby CSAs, visit CTGrown.org.

When selecting a CSA that fits your needs and lifestyle:

1. Choose an appropriate share size for your household.

2. Check pickup times and locations.

3. Be open to trying new foods since availability may vary due to weather or pests.

4. Farmers often provide tips and recipes for unfamiliar ingredients.

The CT DoAg aims to foster an economic climate supportive of agriculture while promoting understanding among citizens about Connecticut's agricultural diversity and its economic contributions.

For more information on CT Grown CSAs or media inquiries:

Rebecca Eddy

Rebecca.Eddy@ct.gov

860-573-0323