A Fresh and Local CSA

I also wanted to address "CSA shareholder's" comment that we offered eggs for sale when we weren't giving them to our CSA egg shareholders who had already paid for them. That is completely untrue. If eggs were being offered for sale, they were for the next season's CSA. And, as I have stated previously, everyone's eggs were made up to them just as soon as the hens began laying again. It is a natural cycle for hens to stop laying completely when the days get shorter but they begin laying again by mid to late January as the days begin to get longer. "CSA shareholder" must have misunderstood. Thank you. M

The 2008 CSA season was a very difficult one for us. In the 12 years (or more ) of having a CSA, it was the one year that we experienced "problems" and , for the most part, some of the problems were really beyond our control. But, despite setbacks, we still carried on and completed our commitment to our CSA shareholders. Yes, we skipped a week during the season, but we made it up to everyone at the end. And, also, because of the very high heat, our hens did not produce as many eggs as they should (a problem that was experienced my many farmers that season) and that caused us to have to "skip" a few weeks at a few sites. However, when January rolled around and the hens were laying again, I personally contacted each egg share member and we delivered ALL the missing eggs (and then some) to people who missed out during the regular season. I actually thought that it worked out even better for people to get their eggs in January, Feb or March when we were all in the midst of winter and longing for spring. The point is, that ultimately, NO ONE was shorted eggs because we made every effort and many extra trips to our CSA sites making sure that everyone got what they paid for. As far as newsletter issues, we have always been encouraged by members and other CSA farmers to make sure that everyone knew exactly what was happening on the farm. Perhaps Allan took it to an extreme but, so what, don't read the newsletter if you don't want to know what's happening on "your" farm. It was never meant to disrupt anyone's day, it was just an update. We have learned a lot from the 2008 season, which, all said, wasn't such a bad season. Many people were satisfied. We would have preferred that EVERYONE was satisfied but apparently, that wasn't the case. It was not for lack of trying. I am proud to say, though, that the food was flavorful and GREAT care was taken with it. Allan would never even consider cutting corners in growing food. He is extremely ethical and CSA members can take heart that the food that they ate that year and every year is some of the most nutritious you will ever find. Thank you. M

I don't know Rho so I'm assuming here, but I think the egg share problem she's referring to is the same one that bothered me. The share deliveries (egg, veg, flower) were skipped a couple of weeks in late summer, and just the egg share was skipped an additional week. Farmer Allan wrote after each of the missed deliveries that the egg shares would be made up at the end of the season, presumably extending the egg share deliveries 3 weeks beyond the regular season. When season's end rolled around, the farmer said there weren't enough eggs for all the shares but that he'd make it up next season (presuming participation in 2009 season?). Unfortunately, in the same email, he offered eggs for sale to those who wanted them.

It's nice that folks like Ross Mohan are happy with F&L's output and communication, but unfortunate that negative reviews here are getting a trouncing. I'm glad to see Allan's response, however, so people who have never been subscribers can get a picture of the kind of wordy excuses we members have gotten all season. Maybe previous seasons were better. I really don't know, this was my first season with F&L and it'll be my last - you get your wish, Ross - I am going to find a different CSA. Honestly, I wouldn't have really minded the poor selection and output over the season if Allan hasn't prepared me to be disappointed by filling every single communication with excuses and complaints. Before the season had ever begun we got stories about difficulties with trucks and wet fields and pleadings for labor assistance. Within a month we had complaints about ethanol, rain, humidity, heat, fuel costs, non-pickups, and more. Week two brought the first of many egg no-shows. Not everything has to be good news, but we never got anything but bad news. In particular the labor complaints were hard to take. Perhaps others disagree, but in my view being a part of a CSA means putting my money on the line so someone with the ability and knowledge will take the chance with the randomness of nature. It doesn't mean I'm okay with squandering money because of someone unable to handle the management and organizing of a farm. I'm sorry that Allan's labor bailed out on him, but I find the suggestion that it would have been okay just to cancel the season because of employee problems to be distressing. If I hadn't already decided to wash my hands of the whole thing and write off the dozens of eggs we're owed before, I would have after writing that.