FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a CSA?
A: CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. This is a concept whereby the farmer and his community build a relationship to support one another - the community helps financially support the farmer by buying a "share" in his annual crop, and the farmer in turn provides a fresh, healthy variety of produce to his community - also stimulating local commerce.
The "share" is a box containing about 6-8 items of produce for the 18 week duration of the growing season.
Q: What crops are grown at Blue Goose Farm?
A: Our staple crops at the farm are:
beans (green, yellow, haricot verts), beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, squash (yellow, acorn, butternut, sunshine, etc.), tomatoes, zucchini & fruit (apples, berries, melons, pears).
We are always trying new crop varieties such as:
kale, kohlrabi, swiss chard, turnips, & varied herbs (basil, parsley, dill, cilantro, etc.)
Q: How can I become a BGF CSA member?
A: We are pleased your are interested in joining our CSA. Email us with your name, address, phone number, and email address. We will mail you a brochure offering an explanation about the program and an application form. Simply complete and return the application with check payment. We do offer an early bird special to those who sign up by April 1. We usually do not accept members after the start date. Please inquire with us to receive more information or about how to join - sctfab@yahoo.com.
Q: How long is a "season"?
A: BGF CSA's season runs for eighteen weeks during the months of June - October. The specific start and end dates vary each year.
Q: How are drop sites assigned?
A: We do not assign our members to certain drop sites. Our members select a site that is convenient for them. We offer drop sites in these locations:
Nicktown, Carrolltown, Ebensburg, Loretto, and 9 throughout the Johnstown suburbs.
Q: Do we keep the actual boxes?
A: No. We ask that our members bring a tote bags in which to place the produce each week. This helps to curb our costs and stay eco-conscious.
Q: What do we do if we miss a pick-up day?
A: Unfortunately, BGF does not reimburse for missed dates. Should you miss a week because of a vacation, or simply forget to pick up you box, you lose the benefit of that week's produce. It will NOT be doubled later, and you will NOT be reimbursed.
Q: What do we do if we get an item in our box we don't like?
A: CSAs are not just in the business of providing delicious produce but also educating people on learning to enjoy products they would not normally select in the grocery store.
We can best suggest you try the item. Often it's the way something is prepared they makes an item less desireable. Review a cookbook or our Recipes under "More" on this website to find alternative ways to prepare the item. If you find you absolutely don't enjoy a product, we then suggest sharing with a friend.
Q: What if I'm interested in joining AFTER the start date of the season?
A: Fortunately for us, like our crops, our membership list continues to grow. So ,we are not accepting new members after the start date this year. If you might be interested in joining, please contact us providing us your name, address, phone number, and email address so we may add you to our mailing list for the following season.