Meet Local Farmers at Seward Co-op's Community Supported Agriculture Fair

The Seward Co-op Grocery &amp Deli's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair connects over a dozen local farmers directly with Twin Cities customers. Growers will be at the store on Sunday, April 10 from 11 AM to 3 PM to answer questions about their farm and CSA membership.

CSA provides individuals the unique opportunity to form partnerships with local growers. Consumers purchase a share of the season's harvest - a CSA membership - which helps cover yearly operating expenses of the farm. CSA members then share the bounty and the risk of the growing season with the farmer and other members.

A typical share provides a wide variety of produce for a family of four through Minnesota's growing season (generally June through September). Each grower offers a different membership package depending on the farm's length of season, goods offered, cost, labor and drop off locations.

Those interested in membership can sign-up at the event. During the growing season fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, eggs, etc. are delivered to Seward Co-op and other drop-off points each week for pick-up by CSA members.

The co-op holds the fair and serves as a CSA drop-off point at no cost to growers or consumers. "Hosting the CSA fair and serving as a drop-off point is part of our commitment to supporting local sustainable agriculture, and to providing consumers with healthy, locally grown food," said Sean Doyle, Seward Co-op General Manager.

CSA share costs average $400 to $700, with some farms also requiring a labor commitment.

Seward Co-op Grocery & Deli is a natural foods co-op located at 2111 East Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis. For more information and a list of participating CSA farmers, visit www.seward.coop or call 612-338-2465.