What's Happening?
Kentucky Proud, the marketing brand of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, is hosting its Virtual Spring Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Week from February 16-20. This event aims to connect consumers with local farms offering subscription-based
food packages. Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell emphasized the importance of buying from local farms, noting that CSAs provide a convenient way to support Kentucky's farm families. The CSA model allows consumers to purchase shares or subscriptions from farms, receiving regular distributions of seasonal products such as vegetables, fruits, eggs, meats, herbs, or flowers. This year, the event features over 66 participating farms, the largest number to date. Kentucky Proud is collaborating with the Center for Crop Diversification, The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Horticulture Council, and the Organic Association of Kentucky to promote the event.
Why It's Important?
The promotion of CSA Week by Kentucky Proud highlights the growing trend of supporting local agriculture and the benefits it brings to both consumers and farmers. By purchasing directly from local farms, consumers help keep food dollars within the community, which can strengthen the local economy and provide farmers with a more stable income. This initiative also expands access to fresh, locally grown food, which can improve dietary health and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances. The upfront financial commitment from consumers supports farmers throughout the growing season, ensuring they have the resources needed to produce high-quality products.
What's Next?
As the Virtual Spring CSA Week progresses, consumers interested in participating can join the Kentucky Proud CSA Week Facebook group to learn more about the available options and how to subscribe. The continued success of this initiative could lead to increased participation in future CSA events, further strengthening the local agricultural sector. Additionally, the partnerships formed between Kentucky Proud and various agricultural organizations may lead to more collaborative efforts to promote local farming and sustainable food systems in the state.
