Below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What do you grow?
We grow over 50 crops and 200 different varieties
string beans, romano beans, soybeans, beets, brussel sprouts, broccoli, napa, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, celeriac, chard, collards, corn, cucumber, green onions, eggplant, arugula, mustard, mizuna, komatsuna, tatsoi, choi, shungiku, mustard, purslane, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mesclun, onions, parsnips, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radish, rutabaga, spinach, zucchini, winter squash, tomatoes, turnip, basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, chervil, sorrel, nasturtium, garlic, gladiolas, calendula, sunflowers, purslane, rhubarb, jerusalem artichoke, mint, chamomile, Tulsi basil, chives, burdock, motherwort. Also we are entirely open to suggestions of what you’d like us to grow!
How many weeks of veggies are in the share?
20 weeks (give or take a week or so, weather depending). If we don’t go for a full 20 weeks we will make the last share or two extra big, so you will for sure get 20 weeks worth of veggies, it just may come in 18 or 19 weeks.
When do the shares start and end?
Our shares start sometime in the first few weeks of June and end sometime in October exact start and end dates are again weather dependent but we will be sure to let you know via email a week or two before we start and end.
Can I pick and choose weeks?
Not really. One of the main principles of CSA is the consistent commitment to the people growing your food. This commitment allows optimal opportunity to plan for efficient production. It’s why we can bring to the highest quality fresh food for a fraction of what you would pay at market. If you don’t think you can make it every week or eat everything in a share, consider finding a friend, family member or neighbour you can split a share with.
What if I am away or cannot make it for the occasional pick up?
If you are away for a week, we are happy to have you send a friend, family member or colleague to pick up your share as long as you let us know in advance. With enough advance notice we can also happily arrange to donate your share to a local food pantry, and make sure that it goes to someone in need. Also if you are an on-farm pick up and can’t make it before the pick up ends, call me and I can probably pack your share and stick it in the cooler and we can arrange another time for you to pick it up.
Where are your pick up locations?
We have pick up locations in Orangeville (at Aardvark music), Bolton (at the Exchange), On-farm at 16555 Humber Station Road and at Southfields Market (415 Dougall Avenue).
How much is in a share?
10-18 different items weekly varying throughout the season. A bit less in the beginning and then increasing throughout the season. People often asks how many people a share feeds? and I always tell them it depends on how many veggies the people eat? 🙂 Generally a share feeds 2-4 people who like their veggies!
Are you organic?
We are uncertified organic. We grow in accordance with organic principles, but do not certify the market garden because it is is expensive and time consuming. I have worked on many organic farms and completed my organic certifier’s course with IOIA in 2014. I strongly believe in the organic agriculture and because we direct market to the majority of our consumers we are able to show them exactly what it means to grow organically. We invite our members to spend time with us in the field and see for themselves how we are growing their food. We are always striving to learn more and adapt new and innovative growing practices, and continuing to pursue the path of regenerative low and no till food production.
How much does a share costs?
Shares are $600 a season, ($650 for off farm pick up location) which works out to $30-$35 a week for a really good sized box of the freshest high quality veggies. Every week is varied with a few new and interesting items and of course the favourite staples like salad greens, carrots and fresh herbs.
Can I choose what I get?
Our regular weekly share is made of a set list with some choices. We also have a swap box at the pick up so that you can make substitutions for something that doesn’t agree with you or maybe just isn’t your favourite. I do encourage people to give all the veggies a try at least once, even if it’s something you are not used to eating. Expanding your palette and trying new things is one of the best parts of a CSA. We have heard our members exclaim, “Every CSA pick up feels a little like Christmas!” and “I love how my CSA share makes me more creative and adventurous in the kitchen!” “Our meals now somehow taste more alive!”
Other benefits of Joining the AHCF CSA program include:
– picking your own weekly floral bouquet
a few u-pick items each week
on-Farm weekly community potluck
weekly Newsletter with recipes and stories from the farm
the amazing feeling you get knowing you help sustain the work we are doing teaching future generations about regenerative food systems.
feeling healthier and happier!