CSA…Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is CSA?
A: Community Supported Agriculture allows individuals & families to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown locally by local farmers.  When you become a member of the VonThun Farms CSA, you’re purchasing a “share” of vegetables from us, a local farmer growing on a local farm. Each week, for 18 weeks of our growing season, we will package your share of produce for you to receive.

For our Harvest Host Program info, CLICK HERE.  With our Harvest Host Program, an individual (or local business) can be the host to a group of friends & neighbors (or customers) who join as CSA members. Host members can save 50-100% on THEIR CSA share!

For our Jersey Fresh to Work Program info, CLICK HERE.  With the Jersey Fresh at Work Program, any local office or business can sign up to be a weekly CSA drop off point for any of their employees who are CSA members. Program coordinators can save 50-100% on THEIR CSA share!

Q. What is the cost of the CSA?
A: We offer 3 different size CSA shares.  A full CSA share is $500  (Which works out to less than $28/week)   A half CSA share is $320 (Which works out to less than $18/week)  A personal share is $250 (Which works out to less than $14 per week) You may pay in installments, but the complete CSA must be paid for prior to April 15th.

Nothing says SUMMER like homegrown watermelon and cantaloupe!

Q:  How long is the CSA season?  For how many weeks will I receive my farm fresh produce?
A: the CSA season lasts for 18 weeks.  You will receive your first CSA produce box on May 30, your last on September 26

Q:  How do I get my weekly CSA produce?
A: You must pick up your CSA produce box each Wednesday, at the farm, between 2-7 pm. (If this is a problem…let us know!)

Q: How do I sign up for a CSA share?
A: Since we are offering a limited number of CSA shares this year, we are requesting that all interested customers return a completed VonThun Farms CSA application and $50 deposit no later than March 1.  CSA applications will be accepted on a first come basis. CSAs may be paid for in full or through payments, however, all CSAs MUST be paid in full no later than April 15.

Q:  How do I pay for my CSA share?
A: Cash, check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover).  You can stop by the farm and pay, or mail payment to us.  You can email, fax, or mail us your CSA application.

Q:  How much produce is in my box each week?
A: Some weeks you will receive more produce than other weeks.  This is especially true during the beginning and end of the CSA season, which is also the beginning and end of the Jersey Fresh growing season.  Fewer crops are available in early June and late September…but during July and August, most crops are plentiful and we will share our abundance with you!  A half share is considered half of a full share.  A personal share is considered a quarter of a full share.

Delicious homegrown red potatoes...Yummmmm!

Q:  Can I choose which fruits and vegetables I receive?
A: No you cannot choose what is in your box. We make up the boxes with the fruits/veggies that we picked the day prior. Each box is the same for that day of delivery.

Q: Is your produce certified organic?
A: We are not organic certified.  We are responsible with the fertilizers and chemicals that we do use, and are dedicated to our produce, our soils, and our environment.  We work closely with a Rutgers Integrated Pest Management team, and try to prevent disease, insects, and pests before they become a problem.  We not only grow our CSA produce…we eat it and feed it to our children too…so rest assured that all VonThun Farms produce is as healthy, fresh, and delicious as can be!!

Q:  Do I have to pick up my box myself?
A: No, you can have someone else to pick up your share. Just be sure to have them check your name off the list when they pick up your box.

Q:  What happens to my share if I am going to be out of town on my day?
A: If you notify us a week in advance we can make up the box you will miss on an alternative day. We can also donate the box to a local soup kitchen or family unable to afford their one.

Aaahhh...the Jersey tomato!! Cherry, grape, plum, beefsteak... there's nothin' like a homegrown Jersey tomato!

Q: What happens if I forget to pick up my box?
A. If you forget to pick up your box, we cannot replace it. You will receive a delivery schedule when you sign up. We try our best to adhere to that schedule and expect that you will too.

Q:  What happens to my share if it isn’t picked up?
A: Any shares not picked up will be donated to the NJ Farmers Against Hunger Program.  We work closely with this program, and make weekly contributions for the organization to distribute to local food kitchens.

Q:  Can I cancel my subscription?
A. No.  Your CSA subscription is valid for the entire 18 week period…and that time period can not be altered.  If you cannot pick up your box of produce or for some reason need to relinquish your produce, you can either gift your produce to a friend or let us know that you would like your produce donated to the NJ Farmers Against Hunger Program.

Ever see white or purple peppers? Well, we grow them!!

Q: What happens if there is a crop failure?
A. We plant several successions of a variety of crops. It is rare that we have a complete crop failure. If we were to have a complete crop failure, it could be for a relatively short time until the next crop rotation matures. Thus any crop failure will have a limited impact on our CSA. This is the advantage of growing multiple successions of a variety of crops. Nevertheless, joining a CSA connects the consumer to the farmer and to all the risks and bounty inherent in farming.

Q:  Can we visit the farm?
A: Be our guest! Seriously. It’s incredibly important to us that you see exactly where your food comes from, and a big part of that is knowing exactly how our crops are raised. Members are welcome to visit the farm and ask any questions. Remember, we’re raising your food; we want you to know as much about it as we do.  We ask, however, that you do not just come and wander around the farm going into the fields without permission.  Fields that open to visitors will be labeled as such.