CSA FAQ’s

What is CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, which is an operational model of a farm where customers pay for a share of the harvest upfront, then receive produce dividends as they become available.

Why should I join the Clark Farm CSA?

Besides supplying you with the freshest, most delicious produce on a weekly basis, it will give you the opportunity to learn how your food is grown and get to know the farmer who is growing it, and it will enable you to be a part of the whole process if you desire.

What can I expect in a typical CSA share each week?

A typical share in June might include: Lettuce, arugula, scallions, radishes, strawberries, peas, summer squash, beets, broccoli, cabbage, spinach and other greens. A typical share in September may include: lettuce, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, eggplant, garlic, onions, winter squash, and broccoli. For a sample harvest schedule of crops by month, click here.

What is a PYO Share?

A "Pick-Your-Own" share includes crops that are harvested by you rather than harvested by the field crew, such as cherry tomatoes, strawberries, herbs and string beans. The PYO Share, if purchased a la carte on its own, does not include most of the vegetables that are part of the Early and Late CSA shares like lettuce, zucchini, eggplant and onions. Although if you sign up for Early, Late, or Full Year Shares, the PYO share is included. As for logistics, we'll have the list the available PYO crops and respective quantities of each posted on a chalk board when you arrive each week for your pickup (e.g., Cherry Tomatoes: 1 Pint).

What if I don’t have time to collect my PYO crops or it is poor weather on my pickup day?

You are welcome to harvest PYO crops during any distribution window (Tues 3-7, Thurs 9-12, or Sat 9-12).

What if I can't pick up my share on my pickup day?

If you can't make it to the farm on your preferred pickup day, we suggest sending a friend or neighbor to pick up your share. You are also welcome to donate your share for the week - we will be glad to include it with the farm's weekly produce donation to Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence.

Are crops harvested at the beginning of the week for all 3 pickup days?

Nope! The field crew custom-harvests each crop for each pickup day. This is why we ask members to choose a preferred pickup day, so we can ensure there are correct quantities of each crop ready for each pickup. As a result, factoring in crop seasonality and availability, some crops may be available earlier in the week but not at the end of the week, or vice versa. We will substitute with similar crops if need be, to keep share distribution values consistent between pickup days.

What if there’s a crop failure? Do I get my money back?

This is part of the risk of joining a CSA. You are investing in Mother Nature’s cooperation and in our expertise as farmers. There is no refund if there is a crop failure. Normally, though, conditions conspire for a bountiful harvest.

Are eggs always available? Why sign up for an Egg share?

We often sell out of eggs each week. The size of the farm determines how many hens we can raise without overloading our soil with too much fertilizer. By signing up for an egg share, you're ensuring that eggs are set aside for you each week.

What is the Sponsored Share program?

Contributions in any amount to our Sponsored Share program help provide local families access to healthy organic produce. We partner with the Carlisle Council on Aging as well as Carlisle Public School to confidentially identify potential families to join our CSA through this member-supported program.

What is a Work-For-Share?

A Work-For-Share is a barter relationship that is treated like an employment agreement. Work-For-Share folks must be in very good physical condition and work a minimum of one day per week for at least 4 continuous hours. The Work-For-Share season begins in mid-April and ends in September and positions are limited. Drop us a note to learn more, or let us know that you're interested.