I got an e-mail from my friend Janet yesterday.  She writes:

“I got notification that my CSA will start June 12th.  I am looking forward to it.  They are already starting plants.  I will look into the winter one at Heron Pond Farm next year.  You are converting me to buying local…I just learned that a lot of garlic comes from China.  Glad I will be growing my own this year…”

Janet’s note warmed my heart for a number of reasons.  First, her note prompted me to check on the state of my own garlic stash, which is still fresh with only one bulb starting to sprout.  This year, I wrapped my garlic bulbs in newspaper and stored them in a cooler part of The Coop.  I think I need to eat more garlic and give some away, because I still have a lot left.

Her note also made me smile because it reminded me of having a similar revelation about garlic.

Plus, how could I not be happy to hear that one of my friends is participating in a CSA?  If there is one thing I never tire of writing and preaching about, it’s the concept of supporting local food through farm shares, or “Community Sponsored Agriculture.”  For readers who live here in the Seacoast area, this Saturday will be CSA Day at the Winter Market, located at Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford.  If eating more local food is important to you, this is a good way to meet local farmers, ask questions about their farms, and decide if a farm share makes sense.

Don’t ask me what I think you should do, because you know what I’m going to say.

CSA, CSA, CSA…