Kudos to the CSA members who filled out the year-end feedback survey for the CSA. It was the latest we have ever solicited feedback and frankly a mistake on our part. We will plan for early November next time around. As ever, while we cannot always stay true to every suggestion, there is good stuff that comes to light and we include it in planning for the following season. This post will start with an overview of the You Pick results and then move on to the Fresh, Fall share. A commonality of both was overwhelmingly positive feedback on the overall CSA experience as well as the quantity and quality of the produce in these shares. How affirming! At the end of the post, we will dip into the participation component that has long been a cornerstone of our CSA and which warrants inspection.
Q: What was your favorite thing about the You Pick share?
“Coming anytime that I liked – when best for my schedule. Ability to take an abundance of basil and kale”
“The addition of flowers this year- a pleasant surprise”
“Flexibility, frequent visits to the farm”
Our plans for improvement to You Pick Share this season
- Renaming it Greens & Beyond, You Pick Share to better reflect the diversity of vegetables available
- Putting all You Pick items in one section of the garden (as much as possible)
- Improve system for marking you pick crops
- Start sooner! At beginning of May which is before the Canton market and most other outlets for greens
- Wider aisles between rows
- Additions: snap peas! asparagus!
- More or sooner in season: broccoli, cut flowers, cilantro, parsley
Q: What was your favorite thing about the Fresh, Fall Share?
“Variety- fresh food- all of it. Our kids loved coming because of the cherry tomato snacks at pick up.”
“Great quality of produce.”
“Working on the farm and suggestions of things to use veggies for”
Our plans for improvement to Fresh, Fall this season
- Pickup available any time after 2pm (instead of 3pm)
- Reintroduce: Parnsips and pie pumpkins
Participation
We asked for feedback on the participation component. We were considering reducing or eliminating this requirement, especially now that one share requires members to harvest their own vegetables. Many members mentioned their love and enjoyment of this component. (e.x. “I think the participation component is valuable and interesting! I wouldn’t want it eliminated.”) To be honest, that is exciting and valuable to us in so many ways. And the participation is closest in spirit to the rewards that motivate us continue this community farm. That said, for the last two seasons, our number of shares is slightly lower than our goal. We believe there are many curious folks out there, to whom littleGrasse would be a positive experience. The logic goes that if we facilitate participation, but eliminate it as a requirement, we may than welcome in new members. Perhaps these folks will even try out the participation and come to find value in it, without the burden of requirement. There were multiple survey respondents who expressed interest in participating even without the requirement. (ex. “As long as the participation opportunities were still offered…that is one of my favorite components and I love the opportunity to meet other members through this.”) This we can promise: littleGrasse will always be a place where anyone may join us in the soil. We also get excited about non-field work participation that enliven the farm for all. These contributions are showcased many ways, such as a new brochure to be introduced this season, designed by a motivated shareholder (thanks Alie!)
The survey is still open and additional responses will be considered. Or drop us an email anytime.
Thank you. Flip & Bob