FAQ’s
1. What is a CSA?
CSA is an acronym for Community Supported Agriculture. It refers to a community of individuals (partners or share-holders) who provide advance funding and partner with the farmer who works the field. For a specified calendar span, the partner picks up weekly shares of produce at the farm. The partner and the farmer share in the benefits as well as the risks of farming. The concept of the CSA was popularized in the United States in the mid-1980’s by visionaries who advocated local agriculture and the benefits of farms to a community. Increasing interest in local organic food prompted us to create a program for building community, ensuring food security and developing a sense of place.
2. What is the timeline and cost of the Partnership Program?
Members subscribe to either the full season, or one or more of the shorter seasons:
A) Full Season, 20 Weeks (June 22 to November 2). The cost is $600.
B) Early Season, 5 weeks (June 29 to July 27). The cost is $175.
C) Mid Season, 5 weeks (August 3 to August 31). The cost is $175.
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D)Late Season, 5 weeks (September 7 to October 5). The cost is $175.
3. Can I buy a half share, a double share, or only participate for half the time?
No. Choose the best option (above) for you and your family. If you need more, consider supplementing your share by buying items at the farm stand when you pick up your share or visiting us at a farmer’s market. There is one share allowed per family.
4. Are you really organic?
Since 1991, Warrup’s Farm produce has been certified organic by Stellar Certification Service which has very stringent standards. At this writing we are completing our 2012 certification application. View our 2011 certificate here (hyperlink). Commonly used, the term organic can be misleading. Our certification assures you that all Warrup’s Farm produce is indeed certified as organic.
5. What happens after I apply?
Once you have completed the online application, you will receive an email with sign-up info and a Partner Agreement. After your send this in along with your check, we will send your welcome email with your first of many CSA updates. If you are a new full share member, you will receive a Warrup’s Farm canvas bag at the first pickup.
6. What is involved in picking up my share?
Bring your bag(s) and possibly a cooler for the ride home. Fresh produce should not be left in the heat. On pickup day, the farm stand will be set up for CSA partners only. Choose from the picked, washed, and bunched produce on display. Signs will identify the items and advise how many of each you may take. For example, there might be a weekly limit of two bunches of basil per share.
7. What day of the week is pick-up day?
After careful consideration and customer feedback, we have agreed on Friday as the pick-up day. Partners can come to pick up their share from 2-7 pm.
8. What if I can’t get there that day, have to skip a week or I go on vacation?
If you do not pick your share, we will fill a bag with a selection of vegetables, and hold it in our cooler for you for 24 hours. Or, ask your friend to pick up your share (please let us know who your surrogate is), We encourage you to pick up your share at designated times so it is fresh. A week’s share cannot be postponed or re-scheduled. After 24 hours, we will donate your share to a social support service. If you know you will be away during certain weeks, consider an alternate share option that better suits your schedule.
9. What exactly does a “share” consist of?
One weekly share will likely fill a large grocery bag approximately 18" w 17.5" h x 7"d (similar to a big paper bag). During some weeks there will be more.
10. What sort of items do you grow?
Depending on the time of year and the success of the crop, you can expect some or all of the following, which often includes several varieties of each item: basil, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, carrots, cucumbers, peas, shallots, chard, turnips, chives, dill, mint, sage, parsley, cilantro, sage, thyme, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, lettuce, arugula, mixed greens, summer and winter squash, potatoes, garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, kohlrabi, flowers, radishes, pumpkins, peaches and possibly other items. We do not grow corn. We often plant heirloom varieties.
11. What if I need other items when I pick up my share?
We usually can offer maple syrup, honey and other items not included in the share, and you may also purchase additional produce after you’ve selected your share.
12. What is the quality of your produce?
For 30 years, we have received excellent feedback from our customers. We intentionally grow flavorful, food that isn’t tough enough to be shipped around the country, and which you will not find at the supermarket. Organic methods do not guarantee picture-perfect produce though.
13. Just how fresh is my share?
Produce will be harvested for your share within hours of when you pick it up. Some items will remain in the cooler until the start of the pick-up time. Nothing will be hanging around in the sun.
14. Since it is organic, do I have to wash my produce? ABSOLUTELY! We field wash produce but as with commercial produce, you MUST wash it carefully and store it safely when you get home.
15. Do you have regional drop-off points?
No.
16. Do I have to work in the field in partial exchange for my share?
No. As much as we would appreciate extra hands it would be too hard to track, supervise and coordinate the help of many people in partial or full exchange for a share.
17. What if there is a crop failure?
Total crop failures are extremely rare. Please be aware that due to the vagaries of the weather and other farming circumstances, there can be crop delays, sometimes an over-abundance or a deficit of items in any given week. That is the part of the partnership that needs to be understood at the outset-- there are risks in farming.
18. What if I want vegetables in volume (like tomatoes)-- are they included in a share?
If we have more of one item than we know what to do with, there will be no limit on how many pounds a partner can take at the discretion of the farmer. Otherwise, more vegetables will be available to purchase at the farm stand.
19. Do you supplement or substitute produce grown at other farms?
If we come up short we will partner with local farms to complete a share; otherwise, all of our produce will be our own. Others’ produce will be labeled as such.
20. How do I communicate with you?
We have a dedicated email address, csa@warrupsfarm.com, which we check frequently. We can also be reached by phone at (203) 938-9403. E-mail is perhaps your best bet. We don’t use cell phones in the field.
If you would like to apply, please click here.
