Frequently Asked CSA Questions
What the heck is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a farming model based on developing a direct relationship between farmers (the producer) and their community (veggie consumers)! Keeping it simple, this is reciprocity at it’s best, a partnership is formed in which both farmers and CSA members share in supporting and enjoying agricultural success (and on occasion failure). CSA members purchase shares in Red's growing season and receive weekly neighborhood deliveries of fresh produce. These members create a network of support and encouragement for the farmers, which provides us with the vital resources to expand our project and maintain our growth. To ensure members feel a part of the daily operations, Red's will provide newsletters explaining what vegetables are currently in season, the anticipated crop list for the week, and any interesting updates from the farm. Of course, CSA members are always encouraged to visit the farm and will be invited to our special events.
Are y'all organic? What growing practices do you use?
As of 2017, we are officially Certified Naturally Grown! This is an important program that primarily serves medium and large-scale agricultural operations, and is tailored for direct-market farmers producing food for their local communities. CNG farmers don’t use any synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. Find out more here: http://www.cngfarming.org/faqs
Red's utilizes practices inline with organic standards, however, we are not Certified Organic at this time. Although we are not Certified Organic, we never compromise on our standards. Certified or not, we guarantee all of our produce is FREE of any harsh chemicals, additives, or GMOs. When you eat Red's produce you are enjoying fresh, seasonal, and natural produce...the way it's intended to be!
What kind of produce am I getting? Will I know how to eat/cook it?
Produce availability depends on season and production success. Some items you might see are: arugula, beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, collards, fennel, kale, lettuce, parsley, pea shoots, radishes, scallions, spinach, turnips, basil, cantaloupe, cilantro, edamame, eggplant, green beans, hot peppers, sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, watermelon, zucchini, mixed beets, garlic, fall salad greens, mustard greens, leeks, onions, and mixed stir fry bunches. We also partner with like minded local farms to offer you items likes potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, summer squash, and cabbage. This allows us to produce enough quantity for our wholesale contracts while also offering diversity to our CSA members.
We work hard to keep our produce diverse so members are both excited and inspired by our food week to week. Our weekly newsletter highlights an item with a suggested recipe; often the more unusual items are featured to education and relieve folks who might be less familiar.
About how much food am I getting?
Your weekly share will have about 6-8 seasonal items. Depending on the season, variety might narrow but we always aim to keep things diverse and exciting. We think our CSA box should last a week for a 2-3 person household if you cook veggies daily. If you're a larger family you will need to supplement at the farmers market or your favorite store. If you only cook 1 meal or so a day, it may take you longer to get through the box. WE REALLY SUGGEST singles and busy couples/households share a box with a friend, family member or neighbor! You are encouraged to coordinate and arrange a pick-up system that works for you. Our new half share, with a every-other-week pick-up schedule, also provides additional time to get through your veggies.
How do I sign up?
Since our days are spent out in the field and not on the computer we ask you to to Order Online Now: http://www.redsqualityacre.com/csa-sign-up-2021
We never want cost to be a deterrent for potential CSA members. If you would like to join, but need to pay in installments please check out our DEPOSIT Option or contact us at csa@redsqualityacre.com and we'll be happy to help!
How do I pick-up my share?
You will be asked to choose a preferred pick-up location upon purchase. This is where your share will be delivered the entire season. Visit our Pick-Up Page for more information on where, how, and when to pick-up your CSA at all of our locations.
2020 Update: In light of the COVID-19 crisis, your produce will be bagged (in a recyclable paper bag) and labeled with your name on it. Please do not touch any other shares. We are asking folks to follow social distancing guidelines while retrieving their produce box. This includes:
Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Keep 6ft between you and other members picking up their produce.
Do not enter the pick-up room if another person is in there. We ask that you patiently wait outside and limit the pick-up location to 1-person at a time.
Only touch the bag with your name on it.
Keep the door propped open so no one needs to come in contact with a door handle/knob.
What if I'm going out of town or miss pick-up?
We always encourage you to coordinate having a friend or family member pick-up anytime you will miss CSA day. If they need help finding us, just give us a shout! If you can't arrange an alternative pick-up just give us 48 hours notice and we'll cancel your box.
If you miss CSA pick-up please contact Dave at csa@redsqualityacre.com immediately. We will try to coordinate an extended pick-up. However, we cannot always meet the need of alternative schedules and it is our general practice to donate any unclaimed shares.