What is a CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It's a partnership between local farmers and community members like you. By signing up for a CSA share, you essentially pre-purchase a portion of the farm's harvest for the season. In return, you receive a weekly box of fresh, organic produce (and sometimes other farm products) throughout the growing season. One of the first modern examples of CSA-like systems emerged in Japan in the 1960s, with the Teikei system. The term Teikei means "putting the face to the food," emphasizing the relationship between the farmer and the consumer. 

What are the benefits of a CSA?

1. Get the best of what’s in season - you’ll be making tastier, more creative meals without even trying! You can taste a real difference in fresh, organically grown produce harvested at its peak and delivered to you the very same week (or day!). You’ll discover new tastes, colors, and techniques by cooking and eating varieties not always available  at the grocery store.

2. Make an investment in your health - you’re gonna want to eat the rainbow: Everything you receive in your share (or shares) is nutrient-packed, organic food that’s free from pesticides and chemicals. It’s easy to eat well and feel great with all this good food!

3. Support local small farmers - your food dollars make a difference! Help us exist and grow a stronger local food system. Small farms like us can often pay employees better, respond to environmental changes and community needs more quickly, and employ more regenerative techniques than the big guys - the more small farms the better!

4. Customize away!: We know that committing to a CSA can be a big deal, so we want it to work for you! We’ve got a customizable share option so you can fit your deliveries to your taste preferences - whether you’re into greens, root veggies, or fresh herbs, we’ve got you covered. 

5. Eating locally is a good idea! Friends are more fun to hang out with when they aren't jet lagged. Vegetables are the same way. 

How does the Whistle Cat Farm CSA work?

Our CSA includes a weekly share of organic vegetables for 22 weeks, from late May or early June through late October. We also partner with other local farmers to offer optional seasonal or one time add-ons like eggs, bread, flowers, dairy, fruit, and meat, as available.

We sell shares in late winter in order to have time to plan for the upcoming growing season. Your upfront payment for the season or five-week deposit helps us invest in seeds, equipment, and labor needed to get growing. In late May, when the first round of veggies are ready for harvest we will begin weekly CSA deliveries.

When you sign up, you’ll choose from several designated pick up locations - be sure to make sure the pick up times also work for you. Each week, your share will be ready for you at your designated location and time. 

You will receive newsletters detailing new items, recipes, storage tips, updates from the farm and other information regarding your share or shares. You will also receive weekly communications reminding you to pick up your share and customize or add to your box if you chose a customizable option.

Is a CSA right for me?

If you enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and are looking to support local, organic agriculture, then our CSA might be a great fit for you. CSA programs work great for individuals and families who love cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, and want to get connected to the food they eat, prepare, and share. Eating seasonally and regionally can be a big change for some people - take a minute to think about the questions below and consider if your lifestyle and cooking/eating values and needs align with a CSA model.

• Do I have the time and energy to cook regularly with fresh produce?

• Am I okay with receiving a variety of vegetables each week, even if I don’t always know what to expect?

• Do I value supporting local, sustainable food systems over getting everything from a supermarket?

• Am I open to learning new recipes and techniques for preparing vegetables I might not be familiar with?

• Can I commit to a weekly pickup?

• Am I open to changing my diet somewhat to reflect what can be produced locally and seasonally. 

Which size is right for me?

We offer different share sizes based on your household's needs:

Small Size: 

• 5-7 items weekly. Recommended for 1-2 people who cook at home multiple times each week.You’ll have an opportunity to add extra each week if needed!

• Sample spring share: 1/2lb arugula, 1/2lb spring mix, 1 bunch radishes, 1 bunch carrots, 1 head of bok choi, 1 pint of peas, 1 bunch kale

Standard Size: 

• 8-10 items weekly. 

• Recommended for 1-2 people who cook at home most nights, or 3-5 people who cook multiple times each week. You’ll have an opportunity to add extra each week if needed!

• Sample spring share: 1/2lb arugula, 1lb spring mix, 1 bunch of radishes, 1 bunch scallions, 1 head of radicchio, 1 bunch of carrots, 1 head of bok choi, 2 pints of peas, 1 bunch kale

Customizable vs. Farmer’s Choice

Customizable CSA Share: With a customizable veggie share, you will be able to swap and choose which items you’d like to receive in your upcoming delivery through your member dashboard. This is a great option if you want a bit more control over what you receive, have specific dietary needs, or just enjoy tailoring your order each week. This option does require a bit more time and attention, however if you forget to customize your share you will still receive a great selection of veggies as a default.

Farmer’s Choice CSA Share: With the farmer’s choice share, you’ll leave all the decision making to us and we will provide you with a variety of whatever produce we are harvesting at the time of your next delivery. This option is super convenient and offers more variety and surprise than the customizable option. It’s a great fit if you’re open to eating seasonally and trying new foods and are not interested in editing your box each week. 

Included with either Share: Whether you choose customizable or farmers choice, you can set your preferences when you purchase your share so we have an idea of what our members enjoy eating. Also, regardless of your share type you will have the opportunity to add additional items to your order each week - more veggies, or other products like flowers, fruit, eggs, bread, meat, etc. 

What will be in my share?

Your weekly share will include a variety of vegetables based on what’s in season and ready for harvest that week. Take a look at this seasonal guide to maine produce to get an idea of what will be available throughout the season. 

Substitutions

We reserve the right to make a substitution in your box in the event that we have an unexpected crop failure, damaged item, or other issue with an item you chose. We will make every effort to substitute a similar item of similar value. We appreciate your understanding. 

Are you organic?

Yes! Whistle Cat Farm is not certified organic, but we follow organic practices. This means that we only use organic amendments, pest management, and other production techniques. We implement low till strategies and avoid spraying pesticides or herbicides on our crops. 

Do I need to read the emails?

Yes! Our newsletters and email include important details like what’s in your share, recipes, farm updates, and any changes to delivery schedules. It’s also a great way to learn more about the farm, upcoming events, or special offers from our add-on farmers. At the very least, please skim our communications for any last minute changes that might affect your schedule.

Payments 

We offer full-season upfront payment, or a five-week initial deposit payment, after which you will be charged weekly. You will be charged for your full season payment or five week deposit when you sign up. For recurring payments, you will be charged for your upcoming share, plus any additionally added items each week.

What if I can’t pick up my share?

If you’re going on vacation or just can’t pick up your share, you can put a hold on your share one time per season through your member dashboard. You will not be billed for that week. You can also elect to have a friend pick up your share or donate it. If you choose to donate your share, we will deliver it to a local food access partner. 

*If you have questions or need further information, please contact us at whistlecatfarm@gmail.com. We’re here to help you make the most of your CSA experience. Thank you for supporting Whistle Cat Farm and local agriculture!