Community Supported Agriculture is a new concept for some, for others it is an old hat. The increase of winter growing in our area has brought a new kind of local option for our CSA shareholders, that of the winter CSA. There are a lot of questions that pop up when considering joining a winter program. Here are the most common ones. If you have any other questions about our winter CSA or CSA's in general, feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.

 

What is in a winter share?

 

Heron Pond Farm grows food in the winter. We use six greenhouses to get us through the deep winter months of January and February. We also employ a system of season extenders to have fresh green veggies from outside late in the fall and early in the spring. This makes our winter shares more then just root crops. Combined with a good supply of storage apples this year our shares give you the opportunity to eat local all year long. To see complete list of what was in the 2010-2011 winter share visit our website.

 

How can I get a half share?

 

Due to the nature of the type of shares we put together for winter we do not do half shares. If you would like to split a share with someone we can help organize that for you. There are folks in each of our pick up locations looking to split a share. Heron Pond Farm can help pair you with someone from your area and even help get you registered. In general one of the shareholders picks up the share and does the splitting. You make a new friend and get great food!

 

How do pick ups work?

 

Each location will be set up farm stand style. We do not pre-box shares with our CSA. You will be able to pick out the food you want guided by a pick up list. When you arrive you will be greeted by one of the farmers from Heron Pond. They will help you get signed in and give you a list of the food in the share that week, or it will be on the “share wall.” Feel free to ask the farmers any questions about what is going on at the farm. We try to keep everyone up to date about our season.

 

Where can I pick up my winter share?

 

Winter shares are picked up at the same locations as our summer shares. We have Dover, Portsmouth, and South Hampton pick ups. The Dover (Monday), and Portsmouth (Wednesday) pick ups are from 3:00-6:00. The South Hampton location is open Friday through Sunday from 9:00-5:00 (from 10:00 in mid-winter) and you can pick up your share on any day of the three.

 

What happens if I miss my pick up?

 

If you are a farm stand pick up you can just come either day of the weekend. Sometimes shares can be bagged and left in the side room for pick up. Off farm pick ups are bagged and left at your pick up site for 24 hrs. After that time they are donated to others. If you have a need that does not fit in with this time frame please call to make arrangements.

 

It is winter so there will be times when you will be away for your pick up day. The best thing to do is to get a friend or family member to pick up you food that week. If this can not be done we will try to make it up to you. Please understand that some of the food may not be available for these make up shares.

 

What are the dates for all the pick ups?

 

Farm stand: October 26-28; November: 2-4, 19-11, 16-18; December: Nov 30-Dec 2, 14-16, 28-30; January: 11-13, 25-27; February: 8-10, 22-24; March: 8-10, 22-24.

 

Dover: October: 22, 29; November: 5, 12, 19; December: 3, 17, 31; January 14, 28; February: 11, 25; March: 11, 25.

 

Portsmouth: October: 24, 31; November: 7, 14, 21; December: 5, 19; January: 2, 16, 30; February: 13, 27; March: 13, 27.

 

Why does my deposit need to be in so soon?

 

We have 200 shares available for the winter CSA. Heron Pond Farm depends on selling all these shares to meet the needs of the farm. We also believe that everyone looking to eat locally should have an opportunity to do so no matter what their economic situation. Heron Pond Farm has always honored payment plans we make one on one with our shareholders. However, if no deposit is put down, and no payment arrangement is made we have no way of knowing if you intend on participating with us this winter. We have had a few folks register in the past only to find that it did not fit in with their plans. Meanwhile we turn others away when we are full. Getting a deposit or making a payment plan provides us with a way of being sure that we are providing great local food to as many families as we can.

 

Why can't I get a bread share this winter?

 

Our wonderful baker, Martha Bogart, of Life is Sweet Baking Company, is closing her bakery. After several years of juggling family and baking Martha felt that she had to give up baking. We secretly hope that someday she will decide to begin baking again, especially those delicious baquettes!