4 Ways to Support Local Farmers

At Grange Insurance Association, we’ve been serving the needs of farming families for over 125 years. While we’ve extended our insurance coverage to urban and suburban communities, we’ll always hold a special place in in our hearts for our farm neighbors. In today’s blog, we discuss how to support local farmers year-round.

Sign Up for CSA

CSA refers to “community-supported agriculture.” Signing up for different CSAs in your area offers you regular deliveries of locally grown farm products, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other produce. CSAs tend to work on a subscription or membership basis, but once you sign up, you’ll have access to seasonal farm products offered by a single farm or a group of farms in your area. While you may have to pick up your CSA box at the farmers market, some CSAs offer delivery, so you’ll receive your produce at home.

Shop at Your Local Farmers Market

If you’re wondering how to support local farmers, one simple way to do so is by regularly shopping at your local farmers market. Many farmers rely on these sales as a source of income, so if you’re able, bring your grocery list and buy whatever you can from these local markets. Not only will you be supporting local farmers, but you’ll also be enjoying high-quality, in-season produce. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and offers you a way to connect with your community.

Try Buying Meat in Bulk

For those of us who have large freezers for storage, buying meat in bulk is a great way to support local farmers. To get started, you’ll need to find a farmer in your area to source the meat. Because meat production may be seasonal, and because farmers tend to have a finite amount of meat, you may have to start on a waiting list. That said, it’s hard to beat the flavor, convenience, and affordability of buying meat in bulk.

Visit U-Pick Farms

If you’re wondering how to support local farmers in your community, taking your friends and family to a nearby u-pick farm is a great way to spend the day while also supporting local farmers. Also known as a pick-your-own or choose-your-own farm, u-pick farms involve individuals coming to the farm to choose and harvest crops. While the most popular type of u-pick farms are Christmas tree farms, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards, beans, flowers, nuts, and berries can all be part of the u-pick farm experience.

Now that you know how to support local farmers, it’s time to check out our insurance blog, where we cover everything from why you should be using the Seed Savers Seed Exchange to the top 5 farm insurance coverage considerations.

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