One of the best kept secrets during the summer months in Johnson County are local CSAs. CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a system of food distribution that is based on relationships between local farmers and consumers. The basic idea of most CSA farms is that you, as a consumer, buy a “share” in the farm at the beginning of the season, and in exchange you receive a delivery each week of fresh, local, in-season vegetables, herbs, fruits, or other products. Many farms operate using organic and sustainable agricultural practices and welcome visitors who are interested in learning more about where their food comes from.
When you participate in a CSA, you are supporting local agriculture and the local economy.
Here are some of the Iowa City area’s CSAs!
Abbe Hills Farm
Season length: 20 weeks, June – October
Bountiful Harvest Farm
Season length: 17 weeks, June-September (Egg, bread, milk, cheese, and poultry shares available, as well as pre-paid punch cards for use at area farmers markets.)
Echollective Farm
Season length: 20 weeks, May-September (spring, fall, and winter shares also available)
Garden Oasis Farm, LLC
Season length: 16 weeks, June-September (Fall and winter shares and egg and poultry add-on shares are available.)
Grinnell Heritage Farm
Season length: 20 weeks, June-October (Spring, winter, and fall shares also available.)
Kroul Farms
Season length: 17 weeks, beginning in June
Local Harvest CSA/ Solon Sundog Farm
Season length: 16 weeks, May-September (spring and fall/winter shares also available, as well as bread and egg shares)
Wild Woods Farm
Season length: 17 weeks, June-September (fall shares also available)
Do you have a favorite CSA? Let us know!
