Answering questions
CSA FAQ
How is the best way to connect with you?
The best way to connect with us is by email or text. If you need a speedy response, please text. If it isn't urgent, and you can wait 24 hours, email works great. It is hard to be connected while in the field, and we still may not be able to respond immediately. In turn, we will communicate with you by email. All CSA Sign-ups require an active email. We recommend checking regularly for emails from the farm beginning a month prior to the first CSA pickup date for farm updates. During the CSA season, you will receive weekly email updates.
DO YOU OFFER HALF SHARES?
We have offered half shares in the past. Several issues came about. One was the difficulty in growing the same produce two weeks in a row, which resulted in redundancy for the full-share members. It was a challenge to keep track of which half-share members did and did not receive the fun vegetables, like purple carrots. Lastly, each year there are half-share members who forget their shares, resulting in waste, which all parties regretted.
Can I split my share with another family?
You are welcome to split a share with another family, but the act of dividing the goods is up to you! You do need to designate a Primary Member who will be responsible for payment, cooler drop off, and the point person for communicating with the farm and the other family. We don’t allow splitting at the farm, or splitting shares by the farm, as our packing process is labor-intensive and streamlined. We know that some people have alternated weeks in the past, while others split their veggies right down the middle.
May I Pay by check?
Yes! You are more than welcome to mail us a check to purchase your share. We ask that you complete the sign-up and purchase process online, and chose the 'Check' payment option. Please make checks out to The Boreal Farm and mail to: 5205 Arnold Road, Duluth, MN 55803. Payments need to be received 10 calendar days from signing up or your reserved share will be canceled.
MAY I PURCHASE EXTRA FLOWER BOUQUETS?
We have additional flowers in the field, but typically do not harvest until hours before pick-up, ensuring a long-lasting, beautiful bouquet. As a member, if you would like a fresh picked bouquet for a special person or occasion, please let us know 24-hours prior to desired pick-up. Price will depend on what we have in the field, and what you would like in a bouquet. Just ask!
What happens if I Miss a week / on vacation?
If you know you will be out of town, you may arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick-up in your place - just email us on the change. However, if you don’t have someone else to pick-up for you, please email us ahead of time, and we will donate your share to one of the non-profits we work with.
WHAT ARE THE CSA START AND END DATES?
Certified Organic Produce CSA is for 9 weeks beginning Monday, June 26 thru August 28, 2023. Pick-up is 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Certified Organic Flower CSA is for 5 weeks beginning Monday, July 31 thru August 28, 2023. Pick-up is 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Do all members receive the same Item?
Yes, for the most part. We strive to provide the same items to every member for that week. Occasionally, a vegetable may be in short supply, and we reserve the right to allocate them as we see best. For example, we may be short orange carrots and substitute red ones in a few shares. We make sure it all balances out.
DO I NEED WORK AT THE FARM?
You do not need to work at the farm as part of your membership. We don't offer work shares to reduce costs of a CSA share.
MAY I ORDER ADDITIONAL PRODUCE?
We do have members ask if we have extra produce for sale. They are having a family BBQ or want to can extra produce. We have extra vegetables each week available through the online farm stand. Members may pre-order/pay and pick-up additional produce with their share.
We are deeply committed to providing the opportunity for fresh produce to our community and need to minimize perfect produce from wasting in the field, plus maximize our ability to make a living.
Open June!
Why has the CSA weeks changed?
The past four years has seen historic droughts, summer lows and heavy rains. In reviewing field production, it became clear that a later start was better for members, as well as, ending before the school season began.
For CSA members who would to start earlier, as there is produce available, and continue into September-October, shares will be made available at membership pricing with ordering made through our online store.
DO YOU PROVIDE RECIPES?
Yes! There has been great feedback for our recipes over the years with members sharing how they adapted recipes to make it their own, some we publish in the newsletter.
Our Certifications
Healthy Soil ~ Healthy Food
Near the Shores of Lake Superior
in Rice Lake, Minnesota 55803
Be A Farm Follower
fresh@theborealfarm.com