What is a CSA? Why Buy Local? Why Buy Organic?

What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA is a system of sourcing local, seasonal food directly from the farm by buying shares at the beginning of our growing season. This model creates a support system that allows the farm to focus more energy on producing high quality goods. Shareholders, in turn, get a weekly selection of ultra-fresh produce and the knowledge that their food comes from a well known, reputable source. This approach strengthens the environmental and economic health of the region. CSAs do not require families to participate in farm work, as a farm co-op would. CSAs such as ours are carefully managed to produce the highest quality goods.

Why Buy Local?
Buying food locally allows you to enjoy food soon after it was picked to maximize nutrition and freshness. It also gives you access to a variety of fruits and vegetables that may not be available in stores. Each vegetable we grow has a history and many of them are unique varieties. Have a question about any of our produce? Ask us! We offer weekly recipes to members and you can always ask our cooking advice!

Why Buy Organic?
Organic growing methods support a foundation of good health for our society and for the environment. We grow organically because we believe that our food system must provide safe and nutritious products while preserving the health of the soil. Poplar Ridge Farm is USDA Certified Organic. We adhere to the strict standards of this certification to bring you a bounty of safe, wholesome foods for you and your family.

Have questions about membership? See below for answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Joining Our CSA

1. When do you expect the 24 week Spring/Summer season to begin? When do you expect the 8 week CSA Fall Season to begin?
2. What will be in my ½ bushel order each week?
3. As a member can I order more than my CSA box in any given week?
4. How do I receive my share every week?
5. Am I on your door-to-door delivery route?
6. Can my community create its own central drop location?
7. What if I’m going to be out of town on CSA days?
8. What if I am sharing my CSA produce with my neighbors and they are not listed as members?
9. If I am not a CSA season member can I still order any of your products?

ANSWERS

1. When do you expect the 24 week Spring/Summer season to begin? When do you expect the 8 week CSA Fall Season to begin?
   Depending on the weather, and therefore production rates, we will begin the 24 week CSA season in mid-May and end in October. We will begin the Fall/Winter CSA season the week after the 24 season ends---the last week of October or the first week in November. If we are not at full production at the beginning of each CSA season, we sometimes start by delivering shares to half of our members one week and the other half the next week. Email us at info@poplarridgefarmnc.com for detailed membership and delivery fees.
   
   A hot and dry spell during the summer may dictate that we close the farm for two weeks during that time, but don’t worry we will extend the season so that members receive 24 boxes of produce.
2. What will be in my ½ bushel order each week?
   Your order will contain approximately 5-6 items in early spring and fall when the harvest is just beginning and 8-10 items in high season. Each item ranges from _ pound ­ 3 pounds per item. Tomatoes range between 3-5 lbs per week in the high season. Herbs are 2/3 of an ounce. Micro greens are usually received in half ounce quantities. In high season you may have both a box and a grocery bag of goodies so be sure you pick up everything. Each box contains the same selection of that week’s harvest. Go to the Harvest page of our website for lists of the produce we grow.
   
   Box quantities can vary due to the season, but value always averages $36.00 per week or higher. In addition to fresher and nutritious seasonal food, CSA membership with your local farmer provides organic produce at a better value than retail on most items. everything. Each box contains the same selection of that week’s harvest.
3. As a member can I order more than my CSA box in any given week?
   Having a party, visiting friends or preserving and freezing for the winter? Extra items may be purchased in addition to your weekly subscription. Items will be listed in the Harvest list of our weekly newsletters and member blog. Orders for additional items must be in by 12:00 noon on Mondays and will be included with your order on Wednesday.
4. How do I receive my share every week?
   There are several options available to receive your weekly share. We have several central delivery locations where you can pick-up your items every week, Myers Park, Ballantyne, Elizabeth, Eastover, Fort Mill, South Park and more. We also offer door-to-door delivery and farm pick-up options.
5. Am I on your door-to-door delivery route?
   If you are interested in door-to-door delivery service, send us your street address with zip code and we will let you know if you are on our delivery route.
6. Can my community create its own central drop location?
   Yes. We will assist your neighborhood with this. In order to create your own membership drop there must be a minimum commitment of 10 full shares for your community. Creating your own neighborhood central drop does provide cost reductions to your community.
7. What if I’m going to be out of town on CSA days?
   In the 24 week season, full share members are allowed two weeks of vacation make up. Half share members get one week. Inform us by email about your travel schedules at the start of the season. If you do not know your schedule at the beginning of the season, please email us with as much advance notice as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on any food! We accommodate make up shares mostly during our high seasons, July and October, but can work out other times. Notify us as well with your preference, we will try to accommodate.
   
   In our short 8-week fall season there are no vacation make-ups.
8. What if I am sharing my CSA produce with my neighbors and they are not listed as members?
   If your friends or family are participating on a regular basis with you and we do not have their email they will miss out on the notices we send about events, extra produce, flowers, herbs, cooking classes, farm days, etc. Please drop us an email and give us their names and contact information. Otherwise they will miss out on the opportunities to buy extra items when available, to pre-order products from our partner farms or join us for farm activities. Also, and most importantly, by participating this year, they are automatically eligible for any openings that may be available the following season.
9. If I am not a CSA season member can I still order any of your products?
   Each week we will post a list of items that can be purchased on the harvest page of our website. Use the order form and place your order by 12:00 noon Tuesdays. You may pick up at the farm on Wednesdays, 2 pm ­ 6 pm or use any of our central drop locations. Delivery fees do apply. You will receive an invoice with your purchase and by email at the time of ordering.
   
   Non- members can pick up at the farm as well as any of our central drop locations at the same time as members, Wednesday 2-6 and sometimes on Fridays and Saturdays when announced.