We don't have added costs of transport, packaging and advertising when you buy through CSAs, the farmer receives a larger portion of the food dollar.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Feedback - Members please email some thoughts or send a note. Thanks!

Our own Circle CSA is unique in that members choose to spend as little or as much as they want each week and make their own choices on what to take from each weeks harvest.  For example, we still have lots of potatoes and savoy cabbage that was not chosen by members.

The year was difficult weather wise because of heavy rains during and flooding, plus the early frost! Ugh...

Some things were very bountiful - like apples.  Our tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant did poorly due to my own time constraints but we got an abundance of tomatoes from our Sister Farm.  Members showed less enthusiasm for dark leafy greens, which were abundant, but did very well picking fresh lettuce.    Members tried new things like pea shoots and ground cherries.  The store worked well but will be improved in terms of climate control, organization, space and shelves. Accounting for member choices worked with the "tab" method but was time consuming to tabulate near the end.  Members consumed much less on a weekly basis than was anticipated at $20 per week.  The communication needs improvement, for example members come to the farm and request items not available that could be with some advance notice.  Due to financial constraints from low membership turnout, we are not able to provide as much as other CSA Farms, but we hope to build and improve each year.  Our prices are low most of the time but the $10 veggie basket (laundry size) was too low.  We pass along wholesale prices on many items.

Overall, we were lucky this year because our Members showed patience, enthusiasm, and a wonderful community spirit.  We hope you consider us again next year for your local farm support!

 - we may share this feedback in an article for a local paper, we may quote you only as an anonymous member - we never share private information to anyone.

Also, you may provide anonymous feedback to us - via snail mail to: 
AMBROSA FARMS
PO BOX 463
BRIDGEWATER, NY  13313

Email some feedback and answer these questions when you have time.

Did you get enough value for your money?

How did the CSA change or improve your meals?

What was memorable about your CSA Experience?

What was especially helpful for you and your family?

What would you do to improve the CSA Member experience?

What would you like grown/raised/or purchased for you that was not available through the CSA this year?

Other Comments to Share or Which may help us Improve Community Supported Agriculture in General