FAQ
What is a CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between farmers and the local community, providing mutual benefits and reconnecting people to the land where their food is grown. As a CSA member you are forming a relationship that been lost through mass production seen today. Who is your farmer?
Members sign up in the spring when there is low cash flow, for a share of the harvest, which helps the farmer with up front cost for the season such as seeds, equipment maintenance, and farm improvements. In exchange, the farmer grows high quality, affordable produce for the member which is then available for pick up from the farm.
By picking up directly from the farmer you have the ability to actually see where your produce is grown.
In addition, our produce is organically grown. This method of growing food is healthier and more sustainable for the consumer, the farmer, and the land itself. The best part is you are supporting your local community.
What can I expect in my Veggie Box?
You’ll receive a wide variety of delicious, seasonal, organically grown vegetables, herbs and other farm produced items such as eggs, walnuts, and flowers. Please check our main page for what is available throughout the seasons. You can expect a variety of those vegetables during the appropriate season. Also we encourage you to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Will my box contain any fruit?
If there is an abundance of fruit and berries that is produced by our farm it may be included in your box.
Do the vegetables come pre-washed & ready to eat?
For optimum health we recommend washing all produce before consuming. Everything is grown organically and is free of any pesticide residues.
What if I am not familiar with some of the vegetables?
By signing up for the newsletter we will feature taste tested recipes for the items that are in your box that week. We will also have recipe links on our website. How do you know unless you have tried it?
Can I pick and choose what vegetables I want?
We do not offer custom boxes at this time. You will get a wide variety of seasonal produce each week; however, you will not get to choose which items you receive.
What kind of box do the veggies come in?
A re-useable wooden crate. We charge a $20 deposit for 1 re-usable wooden crate which is refunded when returned, at the end of the season.
To start the season: we give you a full crate, then you bring back an empty crate, and we’ll give you another full crate, and the cycle continues until end of season. If you forget to bring your crate back, you will not be issued another one until the previous one is returned. You will still receive your vegetables but, you must provide your own bags or box.
Where & when do I pick up my Veggie Box?
Farm market locations, dates and times to be confirmed.
Do you offer delivery?
We offer Delivery to the Chilliwack Area. Date and times for the 2016 season - TBA
Do you have a roadside farm stand?
Not at this time. Custom orders outside of the CSA box can be made by calling: 604-807-0753
How long does the program run for?
Our CSA program will run for seven months, May till November for a total of 30 weeks.
What happens if I am late, or miss my pick up? (for market pickup only)
We cannot offer refunds if pick-up is missed. If you know you are going to miss a pick-up, please let us know. On our application, include an alternate pick-up person. Any boxes not picked up at the end of allotted pick up time will be donated.
What happens if we go on vacation? (for market pickup only)
Please arrange a alternate person (ie: friend/family) to pick up that weeks produce. At your discretion they can purchase that weeks produce off you or you can gift it to them. Or on you behalf we can donate it to a local family in need.
Going on vacation on a Delivery day?
Please assign an alternate person to recieve the harvest box. Alternate delivery can be arranged in the chilliwack area.
When is payment due?
Payment is due one month prior to the start of the season start date. April 12, 2016 Pre-authorized payments will start one month prior to the start of the season and continue monthly till October 2016.
What are the benefits of paying the full amount at the beginning of the season?
The CSA model was developed to help alleviate financial pressure on farmers by sharing their costs at the beginning of the growing season when money is needed the most. Your investment will help the farmer make producrtion improvements, increase farm structures, maintenance of equipment, seed purchases, and other farm related expenses. Your commitment gives farmers encouragment that members are going to buy their produce that they have planned, planted, maintained, harvested, processed and distributed throughout the season.
Is there any risk involved in becoming a Member?
As with any business, there is always some degree of risk. Farming is weather dependant; as well there are factors like disease and pests. We take every precaution before the season starts, when planning our crops, to anticipate and plan for losses due to extreme weather conditions and other factors. We use preventative measures such as crop rotations and companion planting along with beneficial insect to ensure crop health and soil fertility. With such a wide diversity of crops that we plant this ensures that no matter what the circumstances are, you will still receive a crate full of produce. You can always count on a full box of vegetables, as scheduled throughout the season.
Can I join after the season has started?
As long as space is still available, it is possible to join beyond the first pick up date, minus the weeks missed.
What is your Refund Policy?
If a member decides to cancel the program we need one month notice before the first delivery. They can get a full refund, minus the non-refundable $50 deposit. If you have to back out of the program once it has started, we can not offer refunds however, you can transfer or sell your membership to a friend or family member.
Can I guarantee a spot for next season?
Yes, this is only available to current CSA Members.
A non-refundable $50 deposit is required at the end of the season to hold your spot in the program. This deposit will be put towards the next growing season balance.
Do you offer any volunteer opportunities?
Throughout the season, we will communicate with you through our weekly newsletter with any volunteer opportunities on the farm. This is by no means mandatory, but is simply an option for those CSA members who would like to develop a closer connection to the farmers and the farm that is producing their food. At any given time you may contact us at 604-807-0753, or by email to inquire about available opportunities. |
