| CSA FAQ's 1) What does the term "CSA" mean? CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It usually involves subscribers buying a share of a farm's output and subscribers pay in advance to help the farmer pay for seeds and supplies in the spring. 2) Why are CSA's becoming more popular? More and more people are beginning to pay attention to the foods they eat and want to know how they are grown and what chemicals are being used. CSA Subscribers deal direct with the farmer who is growing the crops. They can visit the farm and talk directly with the farmer and observe what is going on. In some cases they can even volunteer to help with the chores. 3) What are some of the benefits of joining a CSA? Your food is fresher and more nutritious than what is available in grocery stores. You have access to food varieties that are not available in stores. You can meet some interesting subscribers -- people with an interest in sustainable agriculture and preserving our natural environment. |
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| Our CSA connects local farmers with consumers. Subscribers purchase a share of farm output. The money is used to pay the costs of the farm. Subscribers receive a weekly share of what we grow. How Much Do We Receive? A share should be about 1/2 to 3/4 of a bushel of veggies. (A brown paper grocery sack holds about 1/2 bushel.) The share consists of 6- 10 different kinds of veggies. Note: Weather is unpredictable and a late spring freeze, heavy hail, drought, or an early fall freeze may reduce the amount of produce. We do try to make this up during the season, but that is not always possible. If a Share is More Than I Need? Some people share with family or neighbors or split a share with a friend. You may also choose to purchase individual items at our booth at local farmers' markets. Can We Pick Our Own? If we have a sufficient harvest , subscribers will have the opportunity to pick extra quantities. In past years we have invited subscribers to pick beans, tomatoes, raspberries and others. Shareholders are welcome to pick their own herbs from our garden. |
| How Do You Grow Your Crops? We use no chemical herbicides or pesticides. We will use a small amount of commercial fertilizer but we are committed to replacing that with organic compost and other compounds as we learn how to obtain and apply them. We use no genetically modified varieties and practice sustainable growing practices. How Can I Interact With The Farm and the Farmers? We maintain and open farm policy so you may come and visit any time we are working. We encourage volunteers who help us with farm chores and get to learn about organic growing methods. How much does a share cost? Shares cost about $30 per week. How Do I Pay? Check is the the preferred method of payment, although you can use our PayPal option if you prefer. May I Try The Program to See if I Like it? We offer a two-week trial; cost varies depending on the season. Also, if you find the program is not what you expected and wish to stop, we will make a refund to cover the unused portion of your subscription. What Happens When I go on Vacation? We encourage subscribers to give their share to a friend or neighbor. Will You Give Tours to Groups? We will give tours and will conduct educational programs for a modest fee. |
| How Long is the Season? Our regular season begins in early June and continues for 20 weeks, ending in late October. We also offer fall shares, beginning the week immediately following the end of the regular season and lasting 7 weeks, ending in mid-December. Spring shares may also be offered, beginning in early May and continuing until the start of the regular season. Do You Provide Other Locally Produced Products? Yes. Beth provides beautiful, long-lasting seasonal flower bouquets that you can buy when you pick up your produce. Occasionally we make available products from other farms. How Do We Get Our Produce? Farm pickup will be on Wednesdays and Fridays and delivery to Lombard, Wheaton, Bartlett, and Elgin is on Tuesdays. We make up boxes for delivery customers. At the farm, subscribers select their own produce from bulk bins. How Do You Harvest And Process the Produce? We harvest vegetables that keep well the night before pickup and greens in the morning of the pickup day. We do a minimum of washing, trimming in order to preserve the nutritional quality of the produce. |
| Here's what subscribers got in their share in late September 2010. |
| A young subscriber samples our wares at subscriber pick-up. |