CSA options in Baton Rouge

As the country has embraced sustainable agriculture and farmers markets, more Community Supported Agriculture programs have emerged to give consumers further opportunities to buy local produce. If you’re an organic foods disciple and you do well cooking spontaneously with what’s on hand, these soulful programs, known as CSAs, are a great fit. The gist is this: pay the farmer at the beginning of the growing season, and he’ll set aside a “share” for you each week for a designated period of time. A share is comprised of a mixture of produce and changes according to what’s being harvested that particular week.

While the Red Stick Famers Market has soared since its launch 15 years ago, CSAs have never taken root in the Baton Rouge area like they have elsewhere in the U.S. They can be a lot of work for farmers already selling at other outlets—and the local public is still fairly unfamiliar with them. But CSAs are fun part of the larger sustainability pie, and I hope we see more them in the future. They’re especially appealing if you like a steady source of fresh stuff and you enjoy creating dishes out of ingredients on hand.

Right now, available CSAs in Baton Rouge include Oakland Organics, which has members pick up their weekly shares at the Saturday Red Stick Farmers Market. Farmer Hutch McClendon says the farm has taken a break from running winter/spring CSA, but it will get going again in May. If you’re interested, contact the farm at [email protected] or (225) 721-1103. Another CSA is organized by Port Hudson Organics. Spots here are limited and the farm has a waiting list, but it’s worth adding your name since folks drop off each year. Members pick up their produce direct from this lovely, little organic farm in Zachary, and they’re asked to volunteer twice during the season.