Fresh Earth Farms Frequently Asked Questions

How do you determine what you grow?

We survey all our members as to their fruit and vegetable likes and dislikes. We also request variety suggestions from them as well. Then using a proprietary mathematical model we figure out what combination of items will meet the culinary requirements of a preponderance of our membership. If that doesn’t work we just use a dart board. In either case we seem to come up with a pretty good mix.

How long is Fresh Earth Farms’ season?

We plan on having a 19 week season. We generally start in the middle of June and run through the end of October.

What are the benefits of on-farm pick-up vs. delivery?

Both services have their benefits. Delivery should be more convenient for those located a distance from the farm. On-farm pick-up provides far more flexibility. Please click here for more information.

Can I buy a single person share for delivery to a drop site?

For those members who choose to have their produce delivered there is only one share size. You are welcome to split your box with neighbors, friends, etc.

How many people would a delivery box feed?

A delivery box will satisfy two to four people depending on eating habits.

I have two adults in my family. Would one share be enough?

This question is only relevant to on-farm pick-up since delivery is limited to only one size box. It is highly suggested that you purchase one share for each adult or teenager in your family. We have found that with the quality, freshness and taste of our produce our customers eat far more fruits and vegetables than they otherwise would.

My family has two adults and two small children. How many shares would you recommend?

Two or three depending on the amount the children eat. Based on experience we have found that two grade-schoolers typically eat one share. Even younger children tend to eat more when the food they are served is fresh and delicious. Many customers have mentioned that when the kids come along to pick-up their produce the finger foods (e.g. snap peas, ground cherries, cherry tomatoes, etc.) don’t make it home; they are consumed during the ride!

Can I buy an additional share or two if I find I bought too few shares?

Additional shares may not be available after the season begins. We plant our crops based on our membership. So if we have 400 shares we plant enough to satisfy 400 people. Some items we plant in excess for bulk purchases; however total membership dictates the quantity of most items we grow. Besides, if every member requested an additional share after the season starts we would not be able to accommodate all of them.

What would a typical week look like?

Please see Share Size for more information.

What if I don’t care for some of the produce you provide?

We like to use a Health Club analogy. When you join a health club you have access to many different machines/weights, classes, etc. Nobody uses every one of the items provided to them; each person uses only those items they like and find most beneficial. You don’t get a discount if you don’t use the weight room.

We take a similar approach at Fresh Earth Farms. We will provide a wide range of items for all our members. Take what you like and enjoy; leave behind that which you don’t care for. Don’t feel obligated to take everything offered. You are buying into a concept that is unlike the traditional grocery store. Your main reason for joining the farm should not be price (though we feel we are fairly competitive with most produce suppliers). The reason to join is to have access to the freshest, healthiest food you can buy, purchased from the farmer who grew it. It is called Community Supported Agriculture for a reason.

Is Fresh Earth Farms certified organic?

The short answer is no, though we conform to organic standards. We, along with our members decide whether to pursue organic certification. The upside to certification is that we will ensure that we are following the organic standards set by the USDA. The downside is the additional time and costs associated with acquiring certification – which is significant – would be borne by our customers. In addition it takes three years to gain certification. We survey our membership annually to determine if we should pursue certification. So far, since members have access to the farm and the farmer, they have found no reason to become certified.

How do you determine what is included with the share and what is extra, for example Pick-Your-Own berries or flowers?

There are two reasons something may not be included in the share price. The first is the special nature of the product may not be widely desired by all our clients. A good example is the flower share. Not all members want a weekly bouquet of flowers. In general, produce that is included in the CSA is an annual plant. The investment in the plant itself is minimal and easily recouped. Items outside the CSA such as Pick-Your-Own berries have a larger inherent investment requirement that Fresh Earth Farms is willing to make at our expense. We could include them with the CSA but would then have to pass the investment cost on to our members. We would also have to hire additional staff to harvest the produce – an additional cost that would again be passed on to our members whether you want the berries or not.

How do you determine the price for the extra cost items?

We survey local establishments that provide similar products (e.g. other local Pick-Your-Own farms as well as local farmers’ markets). We price our products at or below the local market rate. We believe even at the local market rate our members benefit in a couple ways. First, the produce is grown without synthetic chemicals. Second, a members-only facility will provide a more pleasant experience.

When will you have your certified kitchen?

We are still in the planning stages. We have no specific dates yet.