Frequently Asked CSA Questions
-- CSA FAQ's --
What is CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture pairs local consumers who want fresh, local, organically raised food, with farmers who want a guaranteed outlet for their produce, and a fair return for their labor. A group or "community" of consumers supports a local farm, by purchasing in advance, shares of that farm's next season's harvest. The farmer grows produce specifically for this community and divides the harvest among the shareholders.
Are your vegetables Organic?
All of our produce is grown under the regulations set by the USDA in the National Organic Plan (NOP) and are Certified Naturally Grown. We never use synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. We never use seed that have been Genetically Engineered (GE) or that are of Genetically Modified Origin (GMO's). All of our produce is safe to eat!
What Can I Expect In My Share?
What you receive in your box will vary throughout the season. A Large share will receive a 1/2 bushel box of freshly harvested, Certified Naturally Grown produce each week. While our goal is to fill your box with produce at or above the weekly value of your basket, the volume of the box will vary--at the peak of the season, you will receive more produce than you likely will right at the beginning. One of the benefits of participating in a CSA is learning the "old time" practice of "eating with the seasons." For a projected sheet of what we plan on growing and when we hope to have them, see our 2012 Projected Crop & Harvest Schedule!
Will I Get Sweet Corn in May?
Again, you will be eating with the actual, local seasons! To see roughly when we plan on having different crops please see our 2012 Projected Crop & Harvest Schedule!
Is Everything Grown By You?
Yes, we grow everything in our shares--however we do reserve the right to add local produce if we have a disastrous crop failure (this has happened twice to us, once on green beans in 2004, and once in 2010 on our main season crop of tomatoes). If this ever does happen, we will make sure that you know what item we didn't grow, and why!
How Fresh Is Your Produce?
You can count how old our produce is by hours--not weeks! We harvest all of our produce throughout the week at the peak of ripeness, flavor, and quality, and only the best we have makes it to market!
How Do CSA's Compare to Retail Prices?
Our large CSA share averages out to $30.00 a week, and a small share averages out to $20.00. Most consumers easily spend this amount per week on produce (not to mention cokes, chips, and other "junk food"). Also, all of our items are Certified Naturally Grown and harvested to ensure you receive exceptionally fresh and flavorful food. When you compare our CSA share price to buying organic from the grocery store you'll see it's a great value. We strive to deliver our produce within hours of harvest--freshness you can't find in stores for any price!
Can I Split a Share with Somebody?
Actually this is a great idea for folks who are afraid that a share would be too much for them, or want to add some flexibility to their menu while still taking advantage of our great program! It also allows folk the option of "ooh, I hate that" to give it to their "friend." However, there are drawbacks you will need to consider--how do you split a melon? (we recommend one person cut the melon, and the other person gets to choose [and keep a distance from each other while splitting--it's easy to start splitting heads over our melons!]).
What Happens If I Miss a Delivery?
If you can't make it to pick up your share, you may have a friend or family member pick it up for you (or themselves). Any shares that are not claimed, will be donated to somebody in need, or returned to the farm and composted. No reimbursement will be issued for missed shares, so please make sure to line up somebody to get it! However, if you let us know at least one day before we pack shares for your delivery location, you may either 1) receive a "double" share the following week, or 2) schedule to pickup your share at a different pickup location for a specific week.
How Do I Pick Up My Share?
Show up at your delivery location! From there it's even easier--you take a box of produce and transfer the produce to grocery bags--There will be somebody to help you, and answer any questions that you might have at most delivery locations.
Can I Buy Produce For Canning?
All shareholders are encouraged to put up produce for the Winter! Many of our items we should have in bulk upon request for canning, and all shareholders will receive a discount on their purchases!
Can We Visit the Farm?
Unlike the farms that produce grocery store food, you can actually visit our farm! We are an operating farm, so please understand that we won't be able to spend a bunch of time "visiting." Also we request that you check with us to make sure it's a good time to come!
In addition to this, we host two "farm days" annualy with fun activities for everybody--these days are set aside to be spent with you!
Spring Farm Day: May 19th, 2012,
Fall Farm Day: October 20th, 2012.
Which Share Size Do I Need?
Our "
Share Size Calculator
" gives a pretty good idea of which share you would want to purchase. In general we recommend the Large share for families of 3-4 people that eat an "average" amount of produce, and the small share for 1-2 people that eat an "average" amount of produce. Take into consideration if you eat more or less produce than the "average" family!
Where Can I Pickup My Share?
View CSA Dropoffs in a larger map
Web Design & Hosting By: Colvin Family Farm