So what is this CSA business all about?
A CSA or Community Supported Agriculture is just what it sounds like. You are basically buying into the harvest of
a farm; and we are your farmers. You see, there once was a time when people knew their farmers. The relationship was special
and what came out of it was a sense of community and a mutual trust that the needs of involved would be met. This is a trust that we take
very seriously.
How long is the season?
Funny story...
Typically, in Florida, according to UF, we have two growing seasons. A warm season, approximately Apr-Jul, and a cool season,
approximately Nov-Feb. As we learned last winter, Mother Nature cares very little for the calendars of man. We had the coldest winter ever
followed immediately by the hottest April on record. Our typical last day of freeze (safe to plant day) is Feb 14 or so. If you'll remember back, we were
frozen many days and much later than that. That being said, the tomatoes got a very late start. Funny thing about tomatoes, they refuse to produce fruit when the night temps go
much higher than 74 degrees. So, as you can imagine, a late start does not translate into delayed season. Instead, instead it becomes a shortened season.
We have a plan for Mother Nature. Start growing in late summer and cram in as much as we can as long as we can until it freezes (Oct-Dec or so), then, when it starts really
cooling off (if it does) we'll have some cool season stuff ready to go. That will go on till Feb-Mar, then switch back till Jun-Jul. So the season will run fairly constantly from
Oct-Jul or so.
Is there still time to sign up?
Yes! But we don't have an infinite number of shares. It is wise to reserve your spot as soon as possible. Last season was filled in a week. Your membership will run for one season or one year, should you join after the season has begun. To sign up just click on
Buy a Share!.
Where are the pickup locations?
Dunno. That depends on where you are all located. We'll have several pickup locations, depending on where all the members are located. All on the same day at different times.
When we get them settled you'll be able to access a page on the site to be able to add your name to a location for that week (No. I haven't built it yet.). This serves two
purposes: 1. It keeps us from hanging around and waiting for people that may or may not show up. 2. It gives you multiple opportunities to pick up depending on your needs. If you usually pick up at location A but will be near location B that particular day then B it is. Just let us know on the site.
All we ask is that you keep in touch with us. If you are going to be late, call us. If you are can't make it, call us. If you need to change the location, call us. Our goal is not to grow stuff that we end up bringing home. We are very flexible and will happily work with you. Just let us know.
How much does it cost?
The cost for a whole share is $450. We currently take PayPal and checks. We will soon be taking credit cards, but not yet. A half share is $250.
Where is the farm, for that matter?
Excellent question. We are currently located particularly nowhere. We are in the process of finalizing financing for the purchase of some farmland (is that a word?). We are still planting and should be up and running in a few weeks. We'll keep you posted...
Can I pick the stuff I like?
The short answer is "No!" Can you imagine, if we have 100 members, the effort involved in harvesting, weighing, and then sorting by likes and dislikes? The somewhat less short answer is "Maybe." We're going to have a swap box that you may be able to swap with others in the CSA. That being said, we encourage everyone to at least try
everything you get once. We'll post recipes for all the stuff that we grow. Hey! If I have to try them so do you! As it turns out, Kohlrabi is really good.
Do you really have a veggie fuel truck?
Not yet. I'm going to purchase a veggie fuel conversion kit in the next month or so, though. Once done I'll be able to
deliver with either biodiesel or SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil). Maybe we can even set up an exchange where you all can bring it to the pickup locations and I
can take it back to be processed. I'm all about closing loops.
Will you offer anything else?
I dunno... Maybe... Do you like natural soaps? How about yarn? Or eggs? We have a lot of things in the works. We'll keep you posted.
What if my question wasn't answered?
If you have any questions that weren't answered, just go the Contact Us page and shoot us an email. Thanks again for you interest.
