Classic CSA

What is a CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Members sign up at the beginning of the season to receive a bag of produce once a week.  Eaters enjoy the convenience of having vegetables selected and packed for them, the fun of trying new healthy foods, and the satisfaction of connecting with where the food comes from.  The farmer gets help with up front expenses and a committed group of customers to support the farm all season long.

What’s in a share?

Each share contains a variety of seasonal vegetables and herbs.  Spring shares are much lighter, and variety and quantity increase as the summer goes on, with the heaviest shares in the fall.

We specialize in cool season vegetables including leafy greens, roots, and brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, etc). We also have several greenhouses and grow a range of warm season crops like tomatoes and cucumbers. Check out our weekly share notes for an idea of what goes into each share.

Our cool coastal climate limits what we are able to grow, and you will not receive corn or melons.  Warm season crops like peppers and winter squash are a challenge for us, so you will see less of these crops in your CSA.  Farms are subject to variations in weather, and it is impossible to predict when a crop might fail.  No crop is promised: share the bounty, share the risk!

How does it work?

The CSA runs 18 weeks, from July to October.  Each week you come to your chosen pickup site and get your share.  Your share comes in a reusable grocery bag that is the property of the farm.  The following week you bring back your empty bag and trade it for a fresh share! If you choose to share the CSA with another family, you are responsible for splitting it up and coordinating with your partner to return the bag promptly.

Shared Risk

One of the benefits of a CSA is the increased connection you get with how and where your food is grown.  The abundance of the farm varies from year to year, as changes in the weather and natural cycles affect the crops.  Your CSA share will reflect that, with some unexpected bounty and probably a few failures.  As a CSA member, your share will be fuller and heavier when the farm is doing well and in full production, and it will be lighter when the season is working against us.

We make every possible effort to make the CSA a rewarding experience for all of us, but there are always a few mistakes and disappointments (as well as nice surprises!).  So far we have had an overwhelmingly positive response from our members, and we do our best to keep it that way.  By signing up for a CSA, you are demonstrating a deep commitment to local sustainable agriculture and fresh healthy food.

About our farming practices

The farm has a priority of preserving and protecting the health of the land, with respect for the stream, forest, and animals that share its space.  We never use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.  We carefully consider all decisions regarding soil and water conservation, our effect on wildlife and the land, and pest and disease management. Responsible seed sourcing helps to maximize the sustainability and biodiversity of the farm.  We are not certified organic because of our small size, but we are committed to following ecological and organic practices.

Who should join a CSA?

If you eat lots of vegetables, cook regularly, and enjoy trying new foods, our CSA might be for you.  In our classic CSA, share contents are selected by the farmers: you don’t get a choice about what you get.  Members love unpacking their weekly shares, some saying that “every week is like Christmas.”  Each bag is full of bright colors and fresh smells, and the CSA takes the work out of shopping and meal planning.

What members like about the CSA:

• Trying new foods
• Eating a healthier, more varied diet
• Unpacking the bag and seeing what’s for dinner
• Convenient pick up: just grab your bag and go
• Access to the freshest produce available
• Connecting to the farm and supporting local agriculture
• Recipes and share notes give new ideas and help them use up the share

You may not like the CSA if:

• You travel frequently
• You cook irregularly
• You have moderate to strong preferences about vegetables
• You don’t eat a lot of vegetables
• You would have trouble remembering the weekly pickup

You may be happier shopping at our farm stand or farmers market booths, or opting for one of our flexible CSA options. Flex shares can be full time or part time and allows you to choose what you get and when. Market Choice vouchers get you a discount to produce throughout the season.

Should I get a full or a half share?

A full share contains enough for a family of 4 or 5 moderate vegetable eaters, 2 adult vegetarians, or 1 vegetable eating machine.  The half share is enough for 1 vegetarian or 2 or 3 moderate vegetable eaters.

The full share is our best value and gives you the most variety, but it can be a lot of food!  If you are unsure or new to the CSA, you might want to try a half share.  You can always buy extra produce when you pick up your share.  If you have a big family or you really love vegetables, I’d recommend the full share.

We offer suggestions for preserving items from the share throughout the summer, so with careful planning the CSA could last you well beyond the end of the season.  You can also split a share with a friend, preferably someone with different likes and dislikes.

Where do I get my share?

Select a pick up option when you sign up.  You can almost always change later, just let us know.  Your options are (exact times subject to change):

• Tuesdays at Corvus Landing Farm (8605 Slab Creek Road, Neskowin)
• Thursdays at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital farm stand, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
• FoodRoots storefront, Main St Tillamook
• Home delivery

Home Delivery

If you’re busy and finding yourself in a million places every week, maybe you’d rather have your CSA share delivered to your house or work.

For just $5 per week, we offer home delivery of CSA shares in Neskowin, Pacific City, and Lincoln City (some addresses may be ineligible).  If you forget to pick up just 2 or 3 shares during the season, this will pay for itself!  We will deliver multiple shares to the same address for the price of one, so get together with your neighbors and save.

I would like to join the CSA but it would stretch my budget.  Do you offer options for low income folks?

Yes!  We accept SNAP benefits and also offer up to 10% of our shares for half price.  For SNAP customers, we change the payment schedule so that you make monthly payments starting in July when the shares begin.

Our half priced shares are funded through donations from members and a match from the farm.  If you would have difficulty affording the full price but would still like to receive the CSA, these are for you!  We don’t have specific income requirements, but if you receive SNAP or any other public assistance, are a senior on a fixed income, or are finding yourself in a tough spot with work, health, or family issues, please ask for the half price option on your registration.

Click here to learn more.

Flower Bouquet CSA

Bring joy into your home (or someone else’s) with a weekly flower CSA! Members receive a large weekly bouquet of fresh, seasonal flowers.  Our flowers are a range of types and colors, showcasing the variety of blooms and greenery that we are able to grow here at the coast.  Flowers will be harvested fresh for you and most blooms will last a week in the vase (not provided).  We offer a weekly bouquet share that runs 10 weeks from July to September. We also offer a 5 bouquet punch card, usable any time at our market stand. Flower subscriptions make a great gift!

Click here to learn more.

What if I forget to pick up my share?

You MUST pick up your share during the designated pickup time.  Shares not picked up on time will be donated and no replacement will be made.  If you know you will be unable to pick up your share, contact us ahead of time.  We can usually switch you to a different pickup day or site for a given week, or we can arrange a replacement at the market.

What if I go on vacation?

If you can’t or don’t want to get your share on a given week, you can ask for a vacation credit.  You must tell us by Sunday of the week you intend to miss to get credit for your share: no credit will be issued for shares that have already been harvested.  Vacation credits can be redeemed at the farmers market, farm stand, or toward bulk purchases when available (basil, potatoes, etc) any time before the end of the year.  Credits are $30 full or $20 half.

Late Fees

We give a one week grace period on all payments.  After one week, a $5 per week charge will be added to all late payments, added at the beginning of the week.  So if your payment is due Monday, August 1, you will owe $5 extra on Monday August 8, $10 extra on Monday August 15, $15 extra on Monday August 22, and so on.

If money is really tight in a given month, just talk to us.  We will almost always waive these fees given proper communication and are happy to work with you to make the CSA fit in your budget.

What if I need to quit partway through the season?

The CSA is a commitment, and members are strongly discouraged from canceling partway through the season.  But life happens.  Before dropping out, please talk to us.  We may be able to change your drop spot or share type or size to make pickup easier.

If you are moving or really unable to continue your share, the best case scenario is if you can find a friend who wants to take over your share.  Please let us know if you want to do this and we can help you calculate a pro-rated cost.

Failing that, we will offer pro-rated refunds on the following schedule:

• Before June 30:  Full refund less $15 cancellation fee
• July 1 to July 31: Full refund less $30 per share received ($20 half shares) and $15 cancellation fee
• August 1 to September 30: Full refund minus $35 per share received ($25 half shares) and $15 cancellation fee
• After September 30: No refunds available
• Home delivery charges will be refunded in full less $6 per week delivered