Farm Happenings at Earth Spring Farm CSA
Back to Farm Happenings at Earth Spring Farm CSA

NEW CSA starts NOW!

Posted on February 1st, 2021 by Mike Nolan

Welcome to our most custom CSA ever! Signups are OPEN. To the members who have already joined, welcome! If you're reading this message and haven't subscribed to our new Farm Box yet, read on to discover what we love about this new adventure in CSA farming.

What's New With CSA?

In a nutshell...more flexibility, more customization, more delivery weeks, and more awesome local products.

Here's the TL;DR Bullet Points:

  • We're switching back to a MEMBERSHIP MODEL with our most flexible options ever!
  • You can still order a ONE-TIME SHARE through the Farm Stand with no obligation to subscribe for recurring orders.
  • All boxes can be customized however you choose - ALL VEGGIES AND EXTRAS ARE AVAILABLE TO SWAP IN! *Meat is sold separately as a custom Butcher Box membership!
  • Members get our best prices on all products, 20% off delivery, and no Farm Stand Fees.
  • Pay-per-delivery as you go, OR pay in full and get $20 credit!

I've read enough...how do I order?? ---> CLICK HERE to Sign Up or CLICK HERE to place a One-Time Order.

 

---> The Whole Scoop...

+ What Shares Are Available?

We've simplified our membership model so you can easily check off more of your grocery list all inside your Farm Box. Rather than a main vegetable share with extra add-ons, we're now offering one Farm Box that you can fill with anything you choose! Fresh veggies and eggs from our farm, plus fruit, milk, bread, cheese, honey, coffee, and an ever-growing list of locally sourced products, are all available to swap into your box as you customize each delivery. Simply choose your Share Size (small, medium, large) and Frequency (weekly, bi-weekly). If you're looking for locally sourced, ethically raised meats, add a Custom Butcher Box!

+ How Does It Work?

The ordering process will continue to work much like the Shop you've been using this winter. Harvie makes it easy to log on and select the items you want. This week we're moving back to a membership-based model, with the option to place a One-Time farm stand order. If you're not ready to join this week, that's okay! You're welcome to place a one-time order with no further commitment. Keep reading to learn how membership works.

+ What Does It Cost?

Our streamlined Farm Box membership includes the option to swap in any extras or add-ons, anytime you want. This is different than our previous model of Veggie Share, Egg Share, Milk Share and Fruit Share. The new all-inclusive Farm Box comes in three sizes:

- Small ($49/delivery)

- Medium ($79/delivery)

- Large ($109/delivery)

You can choose what level you want to join at, based on your grocery budget, and how much fresh, local food you and your family will eat. Each share is also available at a bi-weekly frequency!

+ What About Meat?

Meat is offered as a separate share, through our custom Butcher Box. Each box can be customized with your choice of meats. All meat is locally sourced, ethically raised, and always non-GMO and chemical free. Choose your size and frequency based on your needs. Monthly pickup is available for Butcher Boxes!

+ How Do Payments Work?

We're continuing to offer a Pay-Per-Delivery option, which is the easiest way to get started. The only up-front cost is the payment for your first delivery. Your credit card on file will be charged when we finalize our orders each week, typically on Thursdays.

+ Is It Better to Pay In Full?

Traditional CSA models ask for a larger up-front financial contribution from members, which is one of the main benefits of CSA farming. This financial support helps the farm prepare the budget, order seeds, fix and update tools, secure help, pay ongoing bills and cover costs, while there is less revenue from normal sales. If you have the means to support our farm by paying in full, we're so grateful to you! Your contribution will help us grow towards better sustainability and offer our best service to our community. You will also get $20 credit as a heartfelt thanks =)

If your budget doesn't allow for a bigger upfront cost, no worries, friend! Join at whatever level you're comfortable with. We're so grateful to be your farmers!

+ Why Become A Member?

Good question! We plan to offer one-time shares anytime we have enough extra food to serve more people, which we typically do. If you're unsure about committing to a full farm share season, that's okay! Becoming a member is a choice you can make, if and when you're ready to take your support to the next level. The heart of CSA is still about people in a community choosing to help sustain a small, local farm, because they want to secure access to fresh, healthy food for themselves and their neighbors. Giving your dollars to us, and our network of local partners, already shows that you believe small farms are essential, and you love buying local. We appreciate you! Becoming a member is another way to help us keep growing and giving more. Plus, there are some perks, like member discounts, 20% off delivery, and no Farm Stand Fees.

+ How Many Deliveries are Included?

This week marks the beginning of a 20-Week Season. When you sign up today, you'll get 20 deliveries at the weekly frequency, or 10 deliveries if you choose bi-weekly frequency.

What If I Want To Join Later? Your membership will be prorated automatically. Join whenever you're ready!

- What If I Can't Pick Up? It's easy to hold and reschedule deliveries in your Harvie account. Members can also skip up to 3 deliveries per season. 

- What Happens After 20 Weeks? This season will bring us to the end of June, right as our fields start producing an even more bountiful harvest! A new season will start right away, and memberships will renew automatically. You'll be notified and given the option to stop your subscription if you choose.

- What If I Want To Cancel? We'll cross that bridge, as they say! We understand that making a long-term commitment to a local farm is a big deal, and we want to honor your choice. Cancellation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and we're always here to discuss any problems or concerns.

+ How Do I Customize My Order?

You will get an email much like this one when ordering opens each week. Simply log into your Harvie profile and click Customize Order to see a list of all available items. Our selection will vary seasonally based on what's fresh. While our veggie options will fluctuate with the harvest cycle, many of our products from partner farms are available year-round. The beauty of this new model is that we can continue to offer safe and reliable access to healthy local food all year long!

+ How Much Food Will I Get?

Because this Farm Box is so open to customizing, it will depend on what you want each week. If you want to load up on veggies one week, and order mostly eggs and milk the next, you can do that! Harvie will fill your box automatically, based on your preferences, and you're free to swap any items you like. As you make changes, the value of your box will adjust, so you'll know when you reach your target value.

+ What If I Want Extra?

Order to your heart's content! If you decide to go over your box's target value, any extras will be charged with your weekly payment.

+ I'm interested, but I need more information...

Great! Email morgan@earthspring.farm with any questions, or check out Harvie's FAQ for Members.

+ I'm Ready, Let's GO!

Yay! You can SIGN UP right here and get your first delivery this weekend! Pick up on Friday (on-farm) or Saturday (D.C.) and enjoy =)

Thanks and be well,

Morgan, Farmer Mike + The Earth Spring Farm Team