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 need to worry about how and where to sell the produce. The exclusive benefits of CSA include access to organic and sustainably grown local produce loaded with nutrients, which contributes to better health and a better earth.
PAYMENT
▼Why do you ask for advance payment for the CSA box?
This is how CSA farms in the USA have traditionally been able to function. It is pretty expensive to grow Organic vegetables on small farms like ours, 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 avail of the bountiful harvest of fresh organic vegetables for your family. You receive an early-bird discount while securing your share for the whole season, and returning members do not pay any setup fees.
◄Do you have an Installment plan?
Yes, we have a payment plan with two installments: 50% in advance and 50% after three months. Stripe will automatically debit the card on file.
▼ .Do you offer Monthly plans?
No. We do not offer monthly plans. The reason is that we need most of the funds beforehand to pay for labor, seeds, growing seedlings, land preparations, yearly supplies, etc.
▼ Do you offer a trial subscription?
No. But you are welcome to visit the farm and watch or participate in the farmers growing your crops.
▼ Do you offer a Bi-weekly option?
No.
◄Can we join into the CSA during the year?
Generally, no. As we grow, we only accept members who sign up before the season. But you can contact us for vacancies during the season.
◄Do you provide any discounts?
Yes. We offer an early bird discount for members who sign up before March 31st. After that, the prices will increase by $5 per box.
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.
◄Can I carry over balance from previous years?
Unfortunately no, as we are a CSA model. Due to the catastrophic hurricanes in 2022, in FL and NY farms, our produce was destroyed by 70%. As a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), the members benefit when there is bountiful produce like from 2019-2021 but in 2022 all of us suffered. We could not even grow in 2023. 2024 season was again bountiful and the members shared in the climate's bounty by getting more than what we had promised. In previous years when some members had small balances left we did not mind carrying over to next year but 2022 losses are too large for us to be able to do so. In 2024, understanding the issue, we offered our old members with balances 4+ complimentary boxes for the 2024 season. In 2025, we would continue to work with them in additional ways to show them our appreciation and contrition. Furthermore, we are mitigating the losses by mandating two installments.
CONTENT OF CSA BOX
◄What is the size/weight of each Box?
It Varies.
Large Box: 10-14 vegetables and fruits for the week’s cooking.
Medium Box: 7-10 vegetables and fruits for the week’s cooking.
▼ What should I do if I have bad produce missing?
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
▼What 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. The mandated pest treatments and the heavy use of pesticides, fertilizers, and factory preservation techniques 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, which hails from different states and practices different cuisines. We are also happy to offer organic tropical fruits like mango, chiku, etc. We also grow herbs of medicinal value.
▼Can I completely depend on the CSA and 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 realize how a few unseasonal vegetables 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, inspire them to use fresh farm 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, the gift of Farm-Fresh Seasonal Vegetables will be much appreciated by many, especially Seniors.
DELIVERY
▼Do you provide home delivery?
Yes. We use our Refrigerator truck and charge a $15 flat rate for delivery in the NY region, which will be charged to CSA members weekly. Please read more on Delivery Page.
