Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a CSA and what does it involve?   

1. 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. It also helps increase understanding of how, where and by whom our food is grown.
   

2.         Click Here for Local Harvest’s wonderful in-depth explanation and brief history of CSA.
   

Q: How do I join?

1. Download the Membership Form and send it in with payment. See our Brochure for information about the pick-up sites, crops list and other details.
   

Q: How soon should I join?

1.   Well, this year we’ve put a cap on the number of members in the CSA as well as a deadline for sign-up. We are limited to 200 members total and the deadline for sign-up is now May 15. Please email us if you you’re concerned about not making it into the CSA this year.
   

Q: What does a share include?

1. A normal full, half or EOW share includes the edible vegetables: an assortment of vegetables, fruit and herbs; flowers are separate. Moreover, due to the nature of farming, we can’t guarantee any amount of product; but we’ve got a lot of experience growing and we try hard to make sure you receive a great range and amount of vegetables, herbs, etc.
   

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Q:Where do I pick up my share?

1. We currently have 3 distribution locations in Ingham county. One at a park, the other at a member’s home and the third at the farm. If enough people (20+) in your area are interested, and we can find a place to host it, then we’ll come to you.
   

Q: What happens if I can't come to a distribution?

  A: For non-emergencies (vacations etc.) there are a few things you can do :

1. 1.Find a friend, relative or whomever to pick up the vegetables for you. The person just has to mention your name at distribution, then pick out the items; it often helps to explain the process a little and give them a list. Or of course you can also share the wealth of vegetables, and give the person that week’s share, especially if you don’t think you’ll be able to use them.
   

2. 2.You can also arrange for a make-up share, but this option has rules attached.
   

3. -We must have notice that you won’t be able to come, via email, at least one week prior to the missed distribution. Then you can make up the missed share within two weeks (this is a change from last year). 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.
   

4. Please contact us about special arrangements or concerns (long vacations, moving etc.), we’re usually quite flexible.
   

5. For emergency situations just contact us sometime after the missed distribution and we’ll arrange something convenient for you.
   

Q: Can we switch our pick-up site?

  A: No. But we do make exceptions for extraordinary circumstances, please contact us.

Q: Can I buy extra items? How?

1. A: We can take orders for extra items which can be picked up at the distribution. If we have extra items at distribution they are also available for purchase, just ask, but there’s no guarantee. Sometimes you can also substitute items as part of your share. But if you're looking to get a lot of extra veggies for storage, parties etc. then it's best to email Rebecca and check the availability.
   

Q: Are you organic? What does that mean anyway?

1. 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.
   

2.     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.
   

3.     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.
   

4. If you have more questions or comments please contact us.