1. Is Greenbrier Farms produce organic? Our produce is grown in an environmentally sustaining manner: crops grow from greenhouse to harvest without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. We use aged animal manure compost and organic fertilizers. Green manures and legume cover crops are planted to fix nitrogen, build soil organic matter, and prevent erosion. Seeds are organic when available, with inclusion of heirloom and open-pollinated varieties. We control pests through the use of crop rotations, biological insecticides, and cultural practices such as the use of row covers. Our practices are guided by the National Organic Standards and by our own goals for achieving a sustainable system.
2. What are the risks to me as a shareholder? Our CSA is a partnership between us and our shareholders in which we share the risks and rewards of the growing season, and in the process become more deeply connected to and appreciative of the land that sustains us all. Bad weather and pests pose the greatest threat to our crops. Generally, the consequence of such threats is a less diverse harvest. The potential rewards, of course, are a season of fresh and delicious vegetables! As a shareholder you agree to take part in the adventure of this CSA, sharing with us the risks and bounties of small-scale, local agriculture.
3. Can we split a share with someone else? Yes, but the share needs to be in our database under one name, though we will email the weekly newsletters to all parties involved. We will not be able to split the share for you so it will have to be split at your own discretion. We sometimes include value added items the weekly share – however there may only be one. You will have to decide amongst yourselves who receives this item or how it is split up.
4. What happens if I’m late? What happens if I forget to pick my share up?Any food that is not picked up at the end of the day that is still in prime condition is donated. We close our CSA promptly at the prescheduled closing time (Usually the drops are from 4pm-6:30pm).
5. What if I go on vacation for a week? If you're out of town on the pick-up day, you have two options: 1) have a friend pick-up your box and enjoy it for you; or 2) notify us that you'll be gone and we will donate your bag.
6. Can I choose my drop point? You can let us know which drop point works for you and we will try to accommodate that, but we cannot promise it will be that location.
7. How much produce do I get in my share? You will receive a Greenbrier Farms reusable canvas bag of vegetables each week (same size as reusable bags from most grocery stores). Some weeks the bag is overflowing and some weeks the bag is ¾ full depending on size of veggies being picked and what part of the season it is. Example: in the spring and fall bags are overflowing because the veggies are heavy on greens and veggies with big tops, but in the middle of summer we are picking peppers and tomatoes and eggplant so those veggies aren’t as bulky.
8. How many people will my share feed? We have found that it depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you cook at home with fresh vegetable every night then a two adult family would be able to consume the entire bag each week. But if you eat out a few times per week, you may want to consider sharing with someone. Most families with two adults and two children who cook at home more than they eat out will find the share fitting.
9. What kind of vegetables can I expect in my bag? There is a link to a sample crop schedule on the CSA info page. Please note that some things drop off the list every year and new things are added every year to try and create the optimum diversity and stay ahead of pest and disease problems.