Consumers who participate in community-supported agriculture (CSA) arrangements to access fresh produce gain dual advantages: They access a steady stream of picked-at-prime fruits and vegetables. And they support nearby agribusinesses, a vital part of area economics. Lillian Gerczyk, of Philadelphia Magazine, harvested information on two standout CSA opportunities in Bucks County.

CSAs are crop-sharing arrangements in which consumers “subscribe” to farmed harvests, providing funds in advance in return for regular access to portions of the yield. The fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats, and other foodstuff is either delivered, picked up, or gathered in person by participants.

Of the 19 Philadelphia-area farms and farmers offering recommended spring-summer 2022 CSA programs, two are in the county.

Blooming Glen Farm in Perkasie offers weekly and biweekly shares, each comprising 10–15 vegetables. Subscribers also get a chance to pick their own flowers and strawberries, as well as select produce straight from the farm.

The CSA program lasts for 24 weeks and starts in mid-to-late May.

Participants can add on access to fruit, artisanal cheeses, eggs, mushrooms, coffee, ice cream, bread, and herbal cocktail kits.

The full share costs $984; half-shares cost $528.

Love Grows in Feasterville offers convenient pickup locations at Doylestown Farmer’s Market, Yardley Farmer’s Market, and Playwicki Farm, Feasterville-Trevose.

It offers a large, medium, and “market” share, priced at $750, $450, and $125, respectively.

The large share includes nine fresh and locally-grown produce; the medium share garners five items; the “market” share provides a 20 percent discount on all veggies.

The Love Grows CSA program runs Jun. 4–Nov. 5.

Read more about area CSAs in Philadelphia Magazine.