DeLano Farms CSA: FAQ's
How much food do I get in a share?
Volume will vary with the season. Less in spring, more in summer, and fall. The share should provide plenty for a family of four or a vegetable loving couple.
What happens if I can't make my pick-up?
We encourage people to keep to their selected pick-up time. If you will be on vacation you can have a friend pick-up by having them present your member card at pick-up. If this is not feasible the produce that remains after pick-up is directed to a local charitable organization.
Can I join at any time?
CSA shares are sold prior to the season. Once the current harvest season begins you are encouraged to add your name to the waiting list for the following season.
How does the CSA/Farm Manager determine what crops are available each week?
Those crops that are in prime condition and ready for harvest are likely to be in the weeks offerings. A variety and multiple successions are planted to keep plenty on hand for each harvest.
Is the food "Organic"?
The farm uses organic methods. We observe three years of transition before we can have our methods reviewed and certify as organic. No synthetic chemicals or fertilizers are used on the farm to produce our food.
Sometimes I find a blemish or hole in my produce. Why?
This is a guarantee that we use organic methods. Chemicals can contribute to blemish free food but the residues are toxic. We grow great food and not just our shareholders want to enjoy it. Occasionally we have to share a nibble with the rest of the animal kingdom.
Why don't we have tomatoes yet (June 10)?
We offer the finest of the seasons. Tomatoes become available in mid-July most years. Some methods produce tomatoes earlier in the season but at considerable cost. CSA is about local foods at their peak. Seasonal eating….
We end up with more food than we can use. What should we do?
Our market-style pick-up offers choices so you can match your needs to what is available. Don’t feel that you need to take foods that you won’t use. Share with friends if you can. Extra produce is directed to charitable organizations in our community.
Who decides what to grow?
The members have a say in what they would like. Suggesting favorite varieties is encouraged. At the conclusion of the season a crop review is conducted by farm staff and interested members. From the review a plan for the following year is made. New crops are always being tried and evaluated.
Do I have to help harvest, weed, irrigate...?
Only if you want to. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged. This is a wonderful way to interact with nature and the farm and a quick way to learn the key aspects of organic food production. Volunteers do get training in food handling and safety.
What is an "heirloom" vegetable?
An heirloom plant, variety, or vegetable is a cultivar that was commonly grown during earlier periods in human history, but which is not used in modern large-scale agriculture. Characteristics of taste, nutrition and local adaptation are of less value to industrial farming. Conformity, appearance and ease of storage and shipping outweigh aesthetic or nutritional concerns.
How many acres are in production?
With the intensive methods of vegetable production we use, an acre will produce enough food for 25-40 CSA shares. We have nearly 20 acres of land for our use, though for the 2011 season we’ll use 5-7 acres. The remainder will be cover cropped to promote healthy soil formation.
Do you use horses or tractors?
For the 2011 season our tillage power will come from tractors. A vintage Farmall Super C, a Allis Chalmer G, and a BCS walking tractor. We make every effort to minimize fossil fuel inputs in our production. A challenge for all farmers is finding ways to produce more food with less non-renewable inputs.
How do you keep critters out?
We allow some loss, and plant trap crops to draw predators away. For crops that are likely to suffer from mammal grazing we will fence and when necessary trap or eradicate. Over the years I have learned that animals will gladly take the easy meal (they love good food too). I make it hard for them to get a free meal. I find it distasteful when we need resort to more severe measures.
What do I do with squash?
Leave it in unlocked cars at the mall!
How can I convince my kids to try this?
Young eaters will naturally reject many foods adults adore. Start young. Don’t force the issue. At our house the rule is one bite. If you don’t like it that’s okay. At least you tried it. Be consistent and find some vegetables the young do like and concentrate on those. I find universal acceptance of cherry tomatoes, fresh carrots, and sweet peas. Often raw and right from the farm!!!
Can I work off a portion of the fee for volunteer hours? DeLano Farms CSA does not offer this opportunity. There is often work to do on farms and what better way to do it than have volunteers. We have talented staff that encourages volunteers to learn and contribute as they like.
Are you doing educational programs on the farm?
The farm is a wonderful place to utilize for educational purposes. As the farm develops in the years to come a broader and more inclusive educational program will be built.
Can I buy a share for a friend as a gift?
What a wonderful idea! Of course you can!
Are there scholarships or subsidized shares available to folks who can not afford to participate?
We will offer this in the years following our inaugural season. We will look to our members to help in establishing a fair program. We will assist local charitable organizations with our bounty during the first year.
How is the Delano Farms CSA different from others in the area?
Several ways: 1) Our close involvement with the Kalamazoo Nature Center and Staff. 2) Our Market Style pick-up at the farm. Offering unrivalled choice and an on- farm experience each week.
3) A concentration on CSA and member service.
Why should I join?
To get locally grown, seasonal produce picked and packed by your friends from the DeLano Farms at the Kalamazoo Nature Center.
Can I make a different selection if I don't like something?
Yes! Our market style pick-up offers a variety of choice unique in west Michigan. Most CSA’s pre-pack your share and offer no choice or substitution.
Do you sell to non-members?
We offer select items to non-members. Check our blog, “delanofarmscsa.org” for details on items that we will offer for cash sales. These are select items and do not affect CSA shares.
What is GAP/GHP?
Generally Accepted Practices/Good Handling Practices describe USDA food safety programs. These require extensive record keeping and traceability of products and ingredients. In recognition of these issues and food safety the DeLano Farms will train all staff in GAP/GHP and institute initiatives to meet the audit requirements under these plans.