Grant Family Farms: CSA FAQs

AN INTRO TO “CSA” & “SHARES”

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA is a system that brings together community members, farmers, and agricultural land into a relationship of support. Based on an annual commitment to one another, community members provide a pre-season payment to purchase a “share” of the season’s harvest. The member then receives a weekly box of a wide variety of fresh, organic vegetables and fruit through the growing season, harvested at the peak of ripeness and flavor delivered to a convenient location in your neighborhood.

With a pre-season payment, you may purchase a “share” of the farm’s summer and fall harvest, becoming a shareholder. You then receive a weekly box of fresh, organic produce through our 26 week harvest cycle, mid-June into mid-December (our season starts the week of June 18th). Through signing up, you dedicate yourself to being our customer for the season. This provides the farm with a secure market for all our growing efforts. The farm, in turn, commits to providing an abundant, diverse and quality array of organic vegetables and fruit.

There is an important concept woven into the CSA model that takes the arrangement beyond the usual commercial transaction: shared bounty and risk. Many times, the idea of shared risk is part of what creates a sense of community among members, and between members and the farmers. We are all subject to the power of nature.

THE NITTY GRITTY

How do I sign up?
You may sign up on our website, call us directly at the farm 970-568-7654, or use the application form included with our brochures and send it to the farm with a check. Be sure to completely fill out the entire application.

Is there a deadline for signing up?
No. It is best to sign up early in order to get the best prices. We have discount periods in December, January and February, and in May before the season begins, our prices actually increase.

How often do I receive a box of produce?
You will receive a box once a week during our 26-week harvest season, starting in mid-June, through the first week in December. Fruit Share deliveries begin in July and run for 22 weeks.

How long is the season?
The CSA season for the Front Range and Casper is 26 weeks for all shares except for Fruit which runs for 22 weeks. Due to weather issues, the Mountain season is 22 weeks for all shares except for Fruit which runs for 18 weeks.

Am I able to choose what goes in my share box?
No. All our boxes are packed for you from the vegetables available each week which are at their peak of ripeness. Everyone will receive the same variety of vegetables. We do not customize boxes. You are welcome to take advantage of our trade box (this is a box at the pick-up site that serves as a trading place. Shareholders may leave items they do not especially care for in the box for others to pick up and then help themselves to items left by others. Keep in mind to share the items in the trade box).

What do I do if I am on vacation or am unable to pick up my box?
CSA members may have a guest pick up their food while away or if unable to pick up their share box. Please let your host know in advance that a guest will retrieve your box. This is a great way to share some of the harvest with friends, family, or neighbors. When you do have a guest pick up your box, provide the pick-up instructions for them! This prevents confusion and miscommunications. If no one picks up your share the produce will be donated to a local food charity. If you are running late, CALL YOUR HOST! You can find your host’s contact info by logging into your online account with the farm.

What kinds of veggies will I get each week?
A variety of veggies from these categories will be included each week as they mature with the season.

greens: ie- spinach, lettuce, kale
root crops: ie- beets, carrots, onions, potatoes
herbs: ie- basil, parsley, dill
classics: ie- broccoli, eggplant, tomatoes, green beans, peppers

For shareholders we provide a separate and more complete list of the crops we will grow and the anticipated weeks of their availability.

Where will I pick up my box?
You will pick up your shares from a host site; we work with a variety of folks that volunteer their homes or businesses to be a spot where we can drop off shares for our members to conveniently retrieve.
click here for pickup location and times

**PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL SUMMER 2012 SEASON SITES AND DAYS ARE NOT FINAL. SPECIFIC LOCATIONS WILL BE CONFIRMED OVER THE NEXT MONTH. SPECIFIC DELIVERY DAYS WILL BE CONFIRMED IN MAY 0F 2012; ALL DELIVERIES OCCUR BETWEEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY

At what times will my box be available for pick-up?
Pick up days will always be during the work week and never on weekends. Shares are available to be picked up from the host site usually from 4pm to 7pm and/or 3pm to 6pm, with some exceptions, which are listed during the application process. As a member, you will also have your host’s contact information in the event of an emergency which prohibits you from picking up your shares during the set time.
click here for pickup location and times

**PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL SUMMER 2012 SEASON SITES AND DAYS ARE NOT FINAL. SPECIFIC LOCATIONS WILL BE CONFIRMED OVER THE NEXT MONTH. SPECIFIC DELIVERY DAYS WILL BE CONFIRMED IN MAY 0F 2012; ALL DELIVERIES OCCUR BETWEEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY

Is the produce organic?
Yes, Grant Family Farms is certified organic by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. We have been growing organic produce since 1974.

What if I do not know how to use—or even recognize!—the vegetables in my box?
Not to worry! Each week shareholders receive a newsletter to help acquaint you with the produce and its culinary possibilities. Asking another shareholder “What is this?” is a terrific community builder! Look to our visual glossary on web site to find out what that delicious veggie in your box is.

PAYMENT

How do I pay for my membership and my shares?
You may online by signing up for an account or use the application found with our brochure and send it to us by mail with a check included. Currently we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover by phone or internet only.

Do you downgrade or give refunds?
We do allow downgrades if you find you are getting too much food. Per our CSA agreement, there are no refunds. However, we can offer to credit your account the difference as a credit to be used for future purchases of farm products. The member’s seasonal commitment is fundamental to the functioning of our CSA system. If you are on the fence on what share to get, start small—you can upgrade your shares throughout the season either through your online account or by calling the CSA team at the farm 970-568-7654.

Can I upgrade to a larger share if I find I could use more?
Yes, you can upgrade your shares throughout the season through your online account or by calling the CSA team at the farm (970-568-7654). We will prorate the cost of the increase based on how many delivery weeks remain in the season.

Can I Pay in Installments?
Yes. Although we prefer to have payments in full as soon as possible (so we can cover our operating costs) we also understand that the CSA system doesn’t always work with life’s other money allocations. If you want to become a member and are interested in a payment plan, give us a call 970-568-7654 and we will arrange an installment plan.

All payment plans must be paid in full by July 1, 2012. We charge a 5$ transaction fee per installment payment. We prefer to limit installments to 3, although we may make special considerations on a case by case basis. The payment plan requries a credit card; the card you sign up with will be consistently charged on the dates agreed upon.

You must call the CSA team to arrange a payment plan - 970.568.7654. There is not a payment plan option available on the website.

How Does a Working Share Discount Work?
A working share is for folks with limited cash but available time. In return for a $90 discount, you help us on the farm with CSA tasks. The tasks can be anything from weeding and harvesting, to picking flowers or helping us pack boxes. The work requirements are 18 hours of work during the season, with no less than two hours at a time. When joining, please be sure to choose the share titled "working share." Please note that we will follow up with you in order to link a credit/debit card to your account (for working shareholders only). In the event that you are unable to work the total 18 hours, we will charge your card the remaining balance at the end of the season, with plenty of notice. The working share is a great way for folks to get involved with their food and know how and where it comes from! If you have further questions, contact rob@grantfarms.com.

How does sharing or splitting a box work?
For shareholders who may feel you would like to split a share, we welcome you to initiate splitting a box with friends, family or neighbors. We leave this responsibility to the shareholders and box mates. How you split the produce is your decision. Sharing a box requires extra care that your group picks up only one box each week. Please coordinate this amongst yourselves in advance.

Should I let the farm know if I decide to share a box?
Yes. We require the complete contact information for all involved in splitting a box to ensure everyone is informed of farm news, notices and changes specific to shareholders. We keep track of those who share a box and include all box mates in correspondence, providing newsletters, and email updates. You can enter information about your "split share partner" in your online profile.

What is the FARM POLICY for shareholders?

You will be asked to read and agree to the farm policy when you purchase shares online.

It reads: "I understand that I am committing to the 2012 growing season at Grant Family Farms CSA and will respect the parameters of being a CSA shareholder. I understand that the farmers will do their best to provide a season's worth of fresh produce. I understand that I am sharing in the risks and challenges inherent to farming and that quantities and the timing of my share of the harvest may be affected by adverse weather events. I understand that it is my responsibility to pick up my share at the designated time and location. I understand there will be no alternative arrangements for missed pickups.

I understand that absolutely no refunds are provided."

It is crucial that our CSA members understand and agree to our farm policy.

KINDS OF SHARES

How much do shares cost?
In order to view prices of shares, please click here and follow the instructions below or at the link (shares are specific to area):

Click on the CSA 2012 Summer Share link, this will take you to a page of our pick up locations. Choose a pick up location in your region (does not have to exact), then click next step (green box at very top and very bottom of list), the next page will be a list of all of our shares and prices appropriate to your pick up area.
Below is a list of the shares available through our CSA program:

Large Share: A large share includes a larger dose of food as well as the most diversity; ideal for a family of four or a couple with a veggie weakness.
Deliveries run for 26 weeks: beginning the week of June 11th (except for mountain communities*.)
Medium Share: Ideal for beginners and households of two and contains a variety of seasonal produce with slightly less quantity and variety than the large share. Deliveries run for 26 weeks: beginning the week of June 11th. (except for mountain communities*.)
Small Share: Perfect for single person and a couple on the go but still want to enjoy weekly, fresh vegetables at home. The variety and quantity are less than a medium share. Deliveries run for 26 weeks: beginning the week of June 11th. (except for mountain communities*.)
*The mountain community delivery season is slightly different: all fruit shares are 18 weeks (July - November); all other shares are a 22 week season (June - November)
Working Share Discount: Designed for members with available time and limited cash. In return for a commitment of time to assist the CSA, we provide a discount off the cost of the share. The working share discount is $90.
Egg Share: We are proud to offer eggs from our happy hens to you. Our hens are raised on pasture and are fed all organic feed and during harvest season all the fresh veggies they can eat. You have the option to receive a 1/2 dozen, two dozen eggs or two dozen delivered to your pickup for the entire 26 week season.
Fruit Shares: This year we will be offering a generous share of Colorado fruit. This 22 week share will feature Ela Family Farms' harvest, as the anchor and to add to the varieties we are also collaborating with Kris Kroops' orchard and Rancho Duranzo. The share includes rhubarb, peaches, apples, pears, melons, nectarines, plums, as well as ciders, applesauces and fresh fruit cups - all harvested at the peak of their flavor. Fruit Share deliveries run for 22 weeks. Check out our seasonal produce calendar to know what fruits our fruit share includes and when to expect them.
Bread Shares: Select from either a weekly Artisan Bread share, or a weekly Baguette share. The bread is baked with flour from organic wheat grown right on our farm. The bread is baked daily and delivered to you fresh. Artisian Bread shares vary weekly from sourdough, muti-grain seed bread, cranberry walnut, garlic and rosemary, ciabatta, or foccacia.
MouCo Cheese Share: MouCo Cheese Company creates soft-ripened cheese from local milk (Morning Fresh Dairy) right here in Fort Collins. Enjoy a weekly 5oz round of cheese delivered to any one of our pickup sites. The weekly cheese will vary between their flagship cheeses (ColoRouge and Camembert) and their special cheese (Trufello and Fetish). You can enjoy the cheese right away, or age it as directions on the package indicate for a more mature flavor.
Haystack Goat Cheese: For a description, please click here.
Windsor Dairy Cheese: For a description, please click here.
Mushroom Shares: Enjoy a half pound or full pound of local, organic mushrooms grown by Hazel Dell Mushrooms. Mushrooms vary from shitake, oyster and lion's mane.
Preserving Shares: Select from a list of select veggies and fruit popular with canning, freezing and pickeling. From a list of produce, you will have the choice of 5, 10 or 15 tgo be delivered to any of our pickup sites when they are ready to be harvested. We will contactyou a week before the delivery so you are prepared for the fun or putting up delicious food to vbe enjoyed later. Items available but not limited to are: tomatoes, pickeling cucumbers (with dill), peaches, pears, green and wax beans, cooking greens, onions, potatoes and apples.

YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT

How do I log in for the first time?
Go to grantfarms.com. On the right side of the page, click on the black box that reads “current members log in here.” The email address you used to purchase shares is your username. The first time you log in, your password will be ‘farmfresh.’ The first window will ask you to change your password to something private. Please keep your login info someplace handy!

I’m logged in but can’t see my shares…?
Be sure that you are viewing the summer season. At the top right of your login screen, there will be a window that displays the season on your account. Make sure this accurately reflects the season you made the purchases in.

My email is not recognized as my username…?
Be sure that you are using the correct email, down to the spelling. If you are splitting the share with friends or neighbors, your email may not be the primary email address and therefore not a recognized username. You will need to use the primary account person’s email to log in to make adjustments to your shares. Finally, call the farm to check the spelling of your email address… Ts quickly morph into Ps through the airwaves of the telephone if you signed up by calling us.

My password isn’t working…?
Be sure you’re spelling it correctly. Use the “forgot password” function as frequently as you’d like to change your password to something easier to remember. Always a good idea to keep your login info written down and around!

What are greenbucks/farm credit...?
Green bucks are credits we can apply to your farm account. They will appear as 'farmigo credit' in your online account. You can use this credit toward a panoply of things: one-time orders from our webstore, additional shares (you MUST to call the CSA team to arrange applying credit to your share - 970 568 7654) and even farm dinner tickets (more info coming soon on the farm dinner season). We typically apply green bucks to your account when you've referred a new member to our CSA and they list you as their referral. You will get a confirmation email whenever green bucks have been applied to your account. If you have any questions about placing an order with your green bucks, please call us first!

I have credit (greenbucks appear as 'farmigo credit' on your online account) on my account but it’s not automatically decreasing the price of the share(s) I want to purchase…?
Fear not! Our system does not yet support automatically applying credit to SHARES, you can however make a one-time order from our web store where this credit is automatically applied. If you want to have this credit applied to a share, call the CSA team on the farm and we’ll properly and promptly apply the credit and process payment over the handy-dandy telephone. In order to use green bucks on shares or farm dinner tickets, you MUST call the CSA Team 970 568 7654. If you have any questions about placing an order with your green bucks, please call us first!

ORGANIC MEATS

Do you offer meat?
Indeed, we do. We do not offer a meat share, but you can purchase meat items from our webstore as frequently as you’d like and they will be delivered along with your summer share items. The webstore requires a 3 day notice, so please be doubley sure that you're ordering the items for the correct date - when in doubt, call us at 970.568.7654.

What kinds of meat do you offer?
As of May 2012, we currently offer goat, lamb,a nd pork exclusively to our CSA members. Please order online through our webstore, call 970-568-7654 or email us for assistance howdy@grantfarms.com

Please note that we are discontinuing our 2012 Non-poultry Animal Program. Whatever we have left is what we have for the remainder of our winter and summer seasons. We will not be getting more non-poultry animals in for the Summer 2012 season. For alternatives, please check out eatwild.com.

DELIVERY IN MOUNTAIN AND CASPER COMMUNITIES

Why is the season shorter for shares delivered to the Mountain Communities?
Due to early onsets of winter in the mountains, we have shortened our season by 4 weeks. By shortening the season we are able to better ensure timely deliveries, with less potential for circumstances that delay our drivers. All of our shares are thus 22 weeks, except for fruit shares (18wks) and flower sharers are still 14 weeks

Why is there a delivery and fuel surcharge for shares delivered to the Mountain Communities and Casper, Wyoming?
Due to the additional cost to deliver to the Mountain Communities and Casper we have to charge an additional fee to cover our costs of the added miles from the farm. These routes also necessitate a CDL driver, which costs more than a driver without this training.

What areas are considered Mountain Communities?
We consider Mountain Communities areas that include a pass to get there from the farm.