FAQ
Having been a long-time farm
stand customer, I was intrigued when
I heard Elliot Farm was starting a CSA. I was hooked when I was
allowed to pick my own produce. It definitely encouraged me to eat healthier and support the local economy.
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What is the difference between a traditional CSA model and Elliot Farm's CSA?
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Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) refers to a group of farm stand customers who pledge to support their local farm by purchasing a “share” of the anticipated harvest before the growing season begins.
With a “traditional” CSA, members pick-up their pre-made bag of produce every week from the farm stand, on a specified day/time. They don't typically have the options of choosing their own items or the pick-up time, but Elliot Farm's CSA is different.
Our members don’t receive pre-made bags filled with items their family may not like. Instead, members can come to the farm stand at their convenience, 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and choose the produce they want, saving up to 10% on purchases over the course of the season, as compared to non-member customers. Click here to review our CSA Policies.
What fruits & veggies are available?
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This season, Elliot Farm will only offer in-season fruits and vegetables, limited to: our signature Butter n' Sugar and Silver Queen sweet corn, Beefsteak, Heirloom, & cherry tomatoes, green leaf lettuce, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, green peppers, eggplant, green beans, onions, potatoes, basil, cantaloupe, blueberries, apples, peaches, cut sunflowers, local honey, jams, eggs and artisan breads.
We partner with other local growers, like Cervelli Farm in Rochester and Four Town Farm in Seekonk. When items cannot be found locally, we visit the Boston Farmer’s Market and select the freshest produce available.
At Elliot Farm, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality in-season produce to our community. For this reason, we can not guarantee that all items, listed above, will be available at all times throughout the season. Click here to see our produce availability calendar.
Why did Elliot Farm decide to develop a CSA?
After 25 years in Lakeville, owner Kenneth Elliot is passing the torch—or rather the tractor—to his two children Ken, 34, and Deanna, 33. In an attempt to modernize and reenergize the farm, Ken and Deanna developed this unique CSA. Not only are CSAs growing in popularity among consumers, but they also afford farmers with revenue upfront, which helps with start-up costs like equipment, seeds, and fertilizer—ensuring Elliot Farm remains in business for generations to come.
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Do you need to be a CSA Member to shop at the Farm Stand?
No. You do not need to be a CSA Member to enjoy the Farm Stand. It is, however, to your advantage to become a member. CSA Members, over the course of the season, can save up to 10% on produce purchases, as compared to non-member customers. With the our Farm Stand CSA, you save money, while supporting your local growers.
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How long is the CSA season? When do you open?
The CSA season is 12 weeks long. Our Farm stand usually opens in Mid-July (depending on mother nature and the season!). Follow our Facebook page for farm news and updates.
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Can I only sign-up for the CSA online? Or is there a paper application to sign-up for the CSA?
If you prefer to sign-up the old-fashion way, please click here to download our paper application. Please mail completed applications, along with payment, to 202 Main Street, Lakeville, MA 02347.
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What is Elliot Farm's growing philosophy?
At Elliot Farm, we care deeply about the farm ecosystem, and though we are not certified organic, we make every possible effort to use natural and organic pest control methods. We practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods, using extensive data on the life cycles of pests to carefully determine when to use pesticides, with the ultimate goal of causing the least possible disruption to humans, animals and the environment. All of Elliot Farm’s planting is done by hand, with the exception of its sweet corn. All crops are also handpicked at their peak ripeness.
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How will CSA Members receive their free Elliot Farm tote bag?
CSA Members will be notified via email when the farm stand opens for the season. Members can come to the farm stand at their convenience, anytime between 10am to 6pm, to pick up their free Elliot Farm tote bag.
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Does the Farm Stand CSA weekly credit rollover?
Unspent weekly credit does not rollover from week to week or from season to season. The premise behind the CSA is to encourage the community to commit to supporting their local growers and improving their nutrition by consuming fresh, healthy produce while it’s available. If you are unavailable during the season to redeem your weekly credit, due to vacation or other circumstance, you may send someone in your place with your membership card. Wholesale and gift card purchasing excluded. Click here to review our CSA Policies.
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How can CSA Members stay up-to-date on Elliot Farm?
Follow Elliot Farm on Facebook! Our goal is to keep our customers up-to-date on what we are carrying on a daily basis. Still have questions? Click here to download Elliot Farm's CSA Policies. We are also always available by email at elliotfarmcsa@gmail.com should you have any additional questions – feel free to drop us a note!
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