CSA FAQ

Titus Farms

Leslie, Michigan

What is CSA?

CSA or Community Supported Agriculture is a partnership between local farmers and consumers. Our community of supporters purchase a “share” of the farm’s harvest, then from roughly early spring to fall they receive a weekly allotment of fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs or flowers.
More broadly, a CSA helps keep local food dollars in the community and helps to establish a more economically and environmentally sustainable regional food system; e.g. less gas to truck foods means less pollution but also lower food prices. And since you buy into the program in the spring, the price you pay for vegetables is locked in. CSA also helps increase understanding of how, where and by whom our food is grown.
If you'd like to learn more about our program see the New to CSA? page.

Missed Distributions

For non-emergencies (vacations, etc.) here are your options:
1. Find a friend to pick up the vegetables for you. The person just has to mention your last name at distribution. It often helps to explain the process to them a little as well.
2.Arrange for a make-up share. This option has rules attached and it can only be done twice.
We ask for a one week notice, via email or verbally, prior to the missed distribution. You can make up the missed share within two weeks of returning. The week you “make-up” your share, you take double your normal amount, e.g. a person with a half share would take a full share.
Please contact us about long vacations, we’re usually quite flexible on this issue.
For emergency situations:
Just contact us sometime after the missed distribution and we’ll arrange for an alternative pick-up. This may include receiving a double share the next week or picking up your share at another distribution site. Please make sure you give us some warning of when you’ll be picking up the make-up share.

How to join

Download the Membership Form from our "Become a Member" page and send it in with check payment. Once we've received your information, we will send you a confirmation email. Later in the spring you'll receive a reminder email approximately 1-2 weeks before the first distribution. Then, all you have to do is show up to distribution!

What's Included in a Share?

A Full, Half or EOW vegetable share includes an assortment edibles which includes an assortment of vegetables, fruit (melons and raspberries) and herbs. We raise over 50 varieties of produce, but if you have a favorite just email us to ask about availability. Some highlights are green beans, tomatoes, sweet corn, leeks, onions, salad mix, broccoli and garlic. Flowers are sold separately in a flower share.
But, due to the nature of farming, we can’t guarantee any amount of product and we’ve got a lot of experience growing and we try hard to make sure you receive a great range and amount of goodies.

What Share should I Buy?

We feature 3 sizes of vegetable shares to fit the needs of many families. Of course, it helps to think about the eating habits of your family. Here are some questions it might help to ask yourself:
How often are we going to eat at home this summer?
How many vegetables do we eat at a meal? Is there always a vegetable on the table? (Do I want to eat more veggies?)
Do I have any picky eaters?
Or are there vegetables that my family will simply refuse to eat?
Are there any food allergies that will impact what I can take home?
Here are the Share Types we Feature:
Full Share:
Enough for larger families (two adults and two older children) who consume vegetables moderately. Or it's great for two vegetarians, who are also moderate vegetable eaters. This share size is usually split between two families.
Half Share:
This share is recommended for smaller families who eat vegetables moderately or larger families who eat vegetables less often or have very picky eaters. Also, this is a nice share size to try if you want to test the CSA concept. Of course you can always buy extra at the farmers market. This is the most popular choice.
Every-Other-Week Share:
This is a half share of veggies that is picked up on alternating weeks. EOW shares are a great choice for single people who eat vegetables very often or couples who are moderate vegetable eaters.

Can we Switch our Distribution Site?

Short answer: No. We would like to avoid people constantly switching locations if possible.
But, we do make exceptions, especially for make-up shares or if you’ve moved or your job has drastically changed. If you want to switch locations permanently please contact us with the details.

Are you Organic? What Does that Mean Anyway?

Excellent question! The meaning of organic is often misused or misunderstood. Farming organically is using intensive agricultural management techniques and alternative methods. It DOES NOT mean “no pesticides.” Organic farmers are allowed to use pesticides, herbicides and fungicides- but the kind that they use is often less toxic to the environment. Organic farmers are also not allowed to use genetically engineered crops or synthetic fertilizers, along with a host of other products.
The politics of “Organic” is a little complicated. Organic really means that you are certified by an independent agency under the National Organic Program (NOP) run by the USDA. The word Organic is actually a copyright, and only those who are certified under the rules of the NOP are allowed to use the word along with the green seal you see at the grocery store. Becoming certified usually involves extensive record keeping, coupled with good management, but also a large fee.
It is the fees which make it difficult for us to become certified. So are we certified organic? No. Do we utilize the methods of organic farmers? Yes, because we believe passionately in sustainability. We use ONLY organically approved chemicals that are derived from natural sources, do not use GMOs, and utilize virtually every other technique- but we don’t certify.
If you have more questions or comments please contact us