Q&A
Organic CSA
CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture”, a concept originated in Japan in the 1960s to foster a relationship between the farmer and the community. Members buy shares in the farm’s produce much before the season starts and partake in the harvests as the season progresses. Through this partnership the farmer receives the vital capital when it’s most needed and can stay focused on farming during the growing season as there is no worry of how and where to sell the produce. Exclusive benefits of CSA include access to organic and sustainably grown local produce loaded with nutrients thus contributing to better health and better earth.
PAYMENT
▼Why do you ask for advance payment for the CSA box?
This is how traditionally CSA farms in USA have been able to function. It is quite expensive to grow Organic vegetables by small farms like us where all expenses to grow the crops (like labor, seeds, land preparation etc.) have to be borne by the farmer for 3-4 months before the first crops are harvested. We grow only for the number of members who sign up for a box before the season starts. Hence by subscribing early you can support the farmer and thereby also avail of the bountiful harvest of fresh organic vegetables for your family. You receive an early-bird discount while also securing your share for the whole season and returning members do not pay any setup fees.
◄Do you have an Installment plan?
No, we want to make it available soon and we are working on it, but currently we do not have the option.
▼ .Do you offer Monthly plans?
No. We do not offer monthly plans. The reason is that we need most of the funds prior is to pay for the labor, seeds, growing seedlings, land preparations, yearly supplies, etc.
▼ Do you offer a trial subscription?
No.
▼ Do you offer a Bi-weekly option?
No.
◄Can we join in to the CSA during the year?
Generally, no. As we grow only for members who have signed up before the season. But you can Contact Us for vacancies during the season.
◄Do you provide any discounts?
Yes. We have early bird discount for members who sign up early.
We also have member discounts for on-the-farm events. Kindly subscribe to our newsletter to receive information about them
◄Can I cancel the subscription?
No. We grow only for the number of members who sign up for a box before the season starts.
CONTENT OF CSA BOX
◄What is the size / weight of each Box?
It Varies.
Indian farm box: 10-14 vegetables, and fruits for the week’s cooking.
▼ What to do if I have missing bad produce?
Human error rarely occurs, but we will make it right. If the produce is damaged, send a picture of the fruit/vegetable before the end of the delivery day. For example, if Thursday is your delivery day, please send it in before 11.59pm, the same day. We will compensate you for it in the next week's box.
CSA - Pricing
▼How is your pricing? Can we compare the prices to local conventional grocery stores?
Our organic Indian vegetables are mostly unavailable in the local stores to even offer a comparison. The growing methods are vastly different. The Vegetables available in local Indian Grocery Stores are largely grown in Central America to keep the prices low, mainly because of the lower labor costs. They are harvested weeks before they reach their prime to last their long journey contributing partly to a lack of taste. Moreover, hybrid seeds are used to yield more and last longer but suffer nutritionally. And to top it all the mandated pest treatments and a heavy use of pesticides, fertilizers and the factory preservation techniques that are widely accepted as detrimental to our health. The prices of common vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, beets, squashes, and peppers are mostly comparable to prices from local organic farms.
PRODUCE
We have a variety of vegetable seeds sourced from different regions to cater to the needs of the Indian community hailing from different states and practicing different cuisines. We are also happy to offer organic tropical fruits like mango, chikoo, etc. We also grow herbs of medicinal value.
▼Can I completely depend on the CSA and do not have to visit the grocery store for produce?
Probably not, it however depends on your food choices. As a farm we can only offer seasonal produce and there is a chance that there might be unavailability of all vegetables in all the weeks as farming is seasonal unlike the grocery stores which bring the vegetables from outside the country. Though our goal is to promote eating strictly seasonal as much as possible, we do realize how a few unseasonal vegetables etcetera have become an integral part of our cuisines. We stay local and almost always seasonal!
▼Do the vegetables stay fresh?
Yes, they stay fresh because you receive the produce directly from the farm in a few hours in our refrigerated truck. You may also pick up from our NY farms.
VACATION
◄I am going away on a vacation. What do I do with my weekly boxes?
You can do a few things. While you are away, you can send the box
- As a gift to your friend or relative to inspire them to also use Farm fresh organic vegetables in their diet.
- As a donation to a deserving person who may not usually be able to afford organic vegetables.
In these times, gift of Farm Fresh Seasonal Vegetables will be much appreciated by many especially the Seniors.
DELIVERY
▼Do you provide home delivery?
Yes. We use our own Refrigerated truck and We charge $20 Flat rate for Delivery in the Marked region Below which comes with Indian & Standard Vegetables, Tropical Fruits all for $20 (Since the gas prices went up) which will be charged to CSA members weekly. Please read more in Delivery Page.
