CROSSROAD FARM FAQ'S
FAQ's
Q: What is Community Supported Agriculture?
A: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) was created as a way for the buying community to
become an integral part of the agricultural community by pre-purchasing shares to help with the farmer’
s annual start-up and maintenance costs. The direct benefit to the farmer is capital during the “off
season”, a time of year when there is no product to sell and no cash flow. Essentially, instead of the
bank getting interest on our “loan,” CSA members receive it in the form of fresh healthy produce! The
benefits of membership include not only a modest discount on this year’s finest crops; you’ll also be
contributing to the sustainability of our farm in the most direct sense. We believe community
involvement is part of being sustainable. Our practices, such as hiring local employees, reflect this value.
Your participation completes the circle; together we’re keeping our “green” dollars in the local economy.
Q: What can I expect to receive in my weekly share and when do I pick it up?
A: In fact, there is no weekly share or pickup. You simply use your pre-purchased credit to purchase
any items you choose, from the farm stand and greenhouses, during regular business hours: 9am-6pm
daily. This allows you the freedom to shop as you wish.
Q: Why a 5% discount?
A: When you become a member, you are investing in the Farm and, in effect, the discount is really a
percentage return on your investment. The return decreases to 2% if you choose to purchase a share
after March 31 because the Farm’s start-up costs must be obtained earlier in the season.
Q: Does my balance roll over to next year if I don’t use it all this season?
A: No. Remember, your share is an investment in what we do rather than just an account held with us.
We cannot refund unused shares.
Q: What does Sustainable Agriculture mean?
A: Check out our page by clicking the link.
Q: Why isn't Crossroad Farm Certified Organic?
A: For a number of reasons, we have chosen not to become Certified Organic. Our commitment to
ecologically sound practices such as minimizing sprays is firm. We are also determined to maintain our
prices at reasonable, competitive levels. Perhaps because we are iconoclasts, we have never been able
to adhere to one particular dogma such as organic agriculture. Just because a substance utilized in
farming is organic, does not make it safer or healthier, per se, for the consumer, laborer, farmer, or to
the ecology of the farm. For example, Copper Sulfate, a certified organic pesticide, is highly toxic and
harmful to not only humans, beneficial soil organisms such as earthworms and bees but also the entire
balance of diversity in the environment. On the other hand, a synthetic alternative is almost completely
nontoxic in all of these aspects, however because it is not naturally-occurring, it is not certifiable. For
us, it is essential that we move beyond a label and pursue sustainability in the most holistic way possible.
Q: What kind of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash, local checks, money orders.
Q: How can I contact you?
A: Call: (802) 333-4455
Email Us!
Write to Tim & Janet: 811 West Fairlee Road, Fairlee, VT 05045
Stop by the farm! Click for Directions. This option is best between April and October.
Do you have a question? Ask Tim or Janet by clicking Email Us!
Q: What is Community Supported Agriculture?
A: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) was created as a way for the buying community to
become an integral part of the agricultural community by pre-purchasing shares to help with the farmer’
s annual start-up and maintenance costs. The direct benefit to the farmer is capital during the “off
season”, a time of year when there is no product to sell and no cash flow. Essentially, instead of the
bank getting interest on our “loan,” CSA members receive it in the form of fresh healthy produce! The
benefits of membership include not only a modest discount on this year’s finest crops; you’ll also be
contributing to the sustainability of our farm in the most direct sense. We believe community
involvement is part of being sustainable. Our practices, such as hiring local employees, reflect this value.
Your participation completes the circle; together we’re keeping our “green” dollars in the local economy.
Q: What can I expect to receive in my weekly share and when do I pick it up?
A: In fact, there is no weekly share or pickup. You simply use your pre-purchased credit to purchase
any items you choose, from the farm stand and greenhouses, during regular business hours: 9am-6pm
daily. This allows you the freedom to shop as you wish.
Q: Why a 5% discount?
A: When you become a member, you are investing in the Farm and, in effect, the discount is really a
percentage return on your investment. The return decreases to 2% if you choose to purchase a share
after March 31 because the Farm’s start-up costs must be obtained earlier in the season.
Q: Does my balance roll over to next year if I don’t use it all this season?
A: No. Remember, your share is an investment in what we do rather than just an account held with us.
We cannot refund unused shares.
Q: What does Sustainable Agriculture mean?
A: Check out our page by clicking the link.
Q: Why isn't Crossroad Farm Certified Organic?
A: For a number of reasons, we have chosen not to become Certified Organic. Our commitment to
ecologically sound practices such as minimizing sprays is firm. We are also determined to maintain our
prices at reasonable, competitive levels. Perhaps because we are iconoclasts, we have never been able
to adhere to one particular dogma such as organic agriculture. Just because a substance utilized in
farming is organic, does not make it safer or healthier, per se, for the consumer, laborer, farmer, or to
the ecology of the farm. For example, Copper Sulfate, a certified organic pesticide, is highly toxic and
harmful to not only humans, beneficial soil organisms such as earthworms and bees but also the entire
balance of diversity in the environment. On the other hand, a synthetic alternative is almost completely
nontoxic in all of these aspects, however because it is not naturally-occurring, it is not certifiable. For
us, it is essential that we move beyond a label and pursue sustainability in the most holistic way possible.
Q: What kind of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash, local checks, money orders.
Q: How can I contact you?
A: Call: (802) 333-4455
Email Us!
Write to Tim & Janet: 811 West Fairlee Road, Fairlee, VT 05045
Stop by the farm! Click for Directions. This option is best between April and October.
Do you have a question? Ask Tim or Janet by clicking Email Us!
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