What is Community Supported Agriculture? Known as a “CSA Farm,” is a partnership between the farm and local community in which subscriptions to the farm are sold at the beginning of the growing season and in return each member receives a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce. The idea of subscription agriculture was born in Japan over 30 years go and the concept took hold in the United States during the mid-1980's as “Community Supported Agriculture.” It flourished in New England and has become increasingly popular among consumers wanting farm fresh, locally grown produce. Today there are well over 2000 active CSA's across the country supplying locally grown produce to their communities. Participants in a CSA farm pay in advance either in part or whole before the start of the season for a “share” of the farm's harvest. In turn, they receive a portion of farm products each week throughout the growing season. Prepayment gives the small farmer operating capital for the year's production, and helps the farmer plan the planting and harvest schedule. Shareholders not only share the bounty from the farm - they also share the risk. If there is a crop failure (such as disease, hail damage, or major freeze), the shareholders agree to take the loss with the farmer, as well as benefits from bountiful harvests.  At McWilliams Farms CSA we do our best to ensure you receive produce each week throughout the growing season and will provide produce into the next growing season if there are excessive crop failures. What are your growing seasons and crops? Our growing season and share deliveries usually begin in April and end in October of every year. Normal season crops include produce such as: Tomatoes, Sweet Corn, Green Beans, Carrots, Cucumbers, Egg Plant, Brussels Sprouts, Onion, Garlic, Strawberries, Okra, Bell Peppers, Sweet Peppers, Squashes, Potatoes, Turnips and Turnip Greens, Beets, Sweet Potatoes.  Early season crops include a variety of Lettuces, Broccoli, Cabbage, Lettuce, Peas, Radishes, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens.  Some later season crops include Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Japanese Melon, Watermelon, Pumpkin, Pistachios, and a variety of herbs throughout the growing season.  We also work with other local farms to include additional produce not listed above upon pricing and availability. What are the subscription? For the 2011 growing season we have changed our CSA model.  This year we will be offering work-share memberships only.  Please see the 2011 contract for more information. What is a work-share? Our work share program requires the member to come to the farm to help out during the growing season in exchange for a reduced share price.  Our work-shares are optional and we only have a few openings available each growing season, so let us know right away if you are interested.  Work includes things such as help with planting, weeding, harvesting, and general farm clean up.  A work-share is a great way to off-set the cost of the share, help out around the farm, and become more involved with the food you eat.  Click here for work-share contract/application. What if I only want to help around the farm occasionally? We will hold "farm days" throughout the growing season to give everyone opportunities to help out around the farm. Why do I need to sign up so early? Our planning, purchasing, and planting begin several months before your first box is ready.  The shares fill up quickly and we have a limited number of openings, so we recommend you sign up as early as possible. What do I get? You will receive a box of fresh, seasonal produce each week during the growing season.  Box sizes vary depending on seasonal availability of produce each week.  Shares include fresh fruits and vegetables.  Eggs, chicken, other farm products, and additional produce will be available for purchase when you pick up your weekly share.  Each box also includes information produce storage, use, and recipe information. Can I customize my produce? If you have an aversion or allergy to certain produce, please be sure to indicate that on your contract and those items will not be included in your share.  Signing up early also helps us accommodate any other special requests. How will I get my box of produce? This year we will have on-farm pick up of your produce on work-share days and every Tuesday between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.  What if I am on vacation or can not pick up my box? If you will not be available for any reason during the growing season, you may make arrangements with someone else to pick up your box in your place or skip that weeks share.  Simply contact the farm ahead of time to let us know.  If you do not contact the farm and do not show up to pick up your box on your pre-determined day, your box will either be sold or donated to COPE. Why choose a CSA? We are currently the only Community Supported Agriculture farm in the area, and as a subscriber of our CSA, you can help support your local small farms as well as provide your family with healthy and fresh produce.  The local Farmers Markets end in October and are closed until June - being a member of the CSA allows you to enjoy a longer growing season of fresh produce. What is your refund policy? We do not offer refunds on share subscriptions unless you are transferred with the Military.  As a subscriber to a CSA you take a risk along with the farmer in the event of natural disasters or crop failures.  At McWilliams Farms we do our best to ensure you receive what you pay for.  If we are unable to provide produce during the growing season you signed up for then we will continue to provide produce into the next growing season.  Are you an organic farm? We are currently not a “certified” organic farm, however we do use all-natural products along with sustainable organic practices at the farm and are working towards our organic certification.  We do not use harmful chemicals of any kind.