Question 1

What does CSA stand for?

Accepted Answer

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. The Community Supported Agriculture model addresses problems within the current industrial agriculture model by nurturing a direct relationship between farmers and their community. Through the purchase of a "share" in the farm, supporters are able to share in the bounty of the farm harvest for the duration of the growing season.

The CSA model allows community members to know their farmer and their food. Shareholders pick up their fresh produce on a weekly basis and are then able to see exactly how their food is being produced. The CSA provides the farmer with a viable way to grow food for their community while sharing in the risks and rewards inherent in agriculture. As a CSA shareholder, you will be directly preserving local land and casting a vote in how you want your food to be grown.

Question 2

How does your CSA work?

Accepted Answer

Shareholders purchase their "share" in the farm before the growing season begins. This provides capital for the farmer's costs throughout the season. Every week from the beginning of June through the beginning of November, for a total of 22 weeks, shareholders come to the farm to pick up their share between 2pm and 6:30pm.

We strive to provide as much variety as possible so that our shareholders can have free choice of the produce available each week. Shareholders also have access to all of the flowers, herbs, and vegetables in the U-Pick fields. Everything in the shares, aside from that in the Fruit Share, is freshly harvested from Root Down Farm.​

The "Farm Share" will feed a typical family of four. Shareholder's are not allowed to split their CSA share with others. Instead, the farm also offers a "Small Share" which would feed 1 to 2 people. The small share will have equal access to the U-Pick fields.

Question 3

Are you organic?

Accepted Answer

While we are not certified organic, we have taken the Farmer's Pledge through the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA NY) and grow to organic standards. The Farmers Pledge seeks to describe sustainable practices in a document that growers can attest is an accurate description of how they farm. It serves as a bridge between consumers and farmers who value healthy food, strong local economies, fair working conditions and wages, the humane treatment of animals, and care of the land.  We grow all of our crops without the use of conventional, synthetic, or artificial fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

Question 4

What if I don't like a vegetable in the share?

Accepted Answer

If you don't like a vegetable in the share that is okay. We grow a very wide variety of vegetables for many reasons including preserving plant diversity in our farm eco-system as well as preserving heirloom varieties of vegetables. I will give you the "don't blame the vegetable, blame the chef" speech, so make sure to at least try everything once and look up a good recipe. If you still do not like a vegetable that is part of the share, simply and kindly let an employee in the share room know and it can be donated to the local food pantry. You could also let another member know they could have yours or set up a vegetable trade.

Question 5

Will I find bugs in my vegetables?

Accepted Answer

You will undoubtedly find a creepy-crawly at some point during the season. This is normal, and serves as proof that we don't use synthetic pesticides. Insects are an important part of the ecosystem even though you may not like to find them on your dinner plates. We recommend thoroughly washing produce before cooking and eating.

We harvest vegetables the day you pick them up to ensure it is the freshest produce available. Often, ugly just tastes better.

Question 6

I want to join the share! What do I do next?

Accepted Answer

We are a 300 member CSA, and we are planning on staying that size for the near future. We are currently overwhelmed with requests to join, so make sure to email us to get on the wait list. For more detailed information click here.

Question 7

How do I order wholesale?

Accepted Answer

If you are a restaurant or grocer please call 716-949-1204 or email us to set up an account. Deliveries may be limited based on your location.

Question 8

How do I try the U-Pick?

Accepted Answer

The U-Pick fields are only open to CSA members during regular CSA hours from approximately July through September. U-Pick access is included with all shares and allows members to access some other produce and get their hands a little dirty! If you're planning to check out the U-Pick please bring your own scissors and respect the instructions listed on the board. If you have any questions about the U-Pick, please just ask the staff in the share room.

We do not allow the general public access to our U-Pick fields.

Frequently Asked Questions