Fishkill Farms' CSA
Our CSA runs from June through December. Each week, members pick up a share of produce from the farm. Some of it will be harvested by members themselves, and some will be prepicked. The share quantity, information about the crops and what needs to be harvested will be included in a weekly email newsletter. Pick-up location is our farm store, at the farm in East Fishkill, New York, Saturday Morning from 8-10am. U-pick items may also be harvested earlier, on Thursdays & Fridays from 10am to 6pm.
One of the farmers will be available to talk with members during Saturday distribution, when members can meet, share recipes, and enjoy the farm all to themselves (we do not open to the public until 10am).
Types of Shares
Option 1: Full Farm Share — Season: June-December • Cost: $950
The share will include a great variety of the fresh fruits and vegetables we grow. From the peas and radishes of spring to peaches and tomatoes in the summer to the apples and squashes of the fall, the full farm share is hands down the best way to experience local food at its pinnacle throughout the season.
Here are some of the CSA crops (this list is not complete, but will give you an idea of what you may find in your share):
Option 2: Fruit-Only Share — Season: June-December • Cost: $400
Equivalent to the fruit portion of our full farm share, without the vegetables.
Option 3: Vegetable-Only Share — Season: June-December • Cost: $550
Equivalent to the vegetable portion of our full farm share, without the fruit.
In addition to crops listed in the chart, shares may include potatoes, garlic, hot peppers, turnips, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and more.
Option 4: Fall Apple Share — Season: September- December • Cost: $140
This share is a great option for those who want to enjoy the many varieties of apples we produce while learning more about them and the farm. Each week during the harvest season, members receive an email explaining which varieties are at their peak, the best use for each variety, and other useful information such as our favorite apple recipes. Then, members may pick a peck bag of apples from our orchard or our store. This share will be more flexible than the other shares… members decide which variety they want each week, and may choose to take several week's worth of apples at a time. For this reason, the share can accomodate members living farther away from the farm, who want to come get our apples only a few times a season. Varieties include: Paulared, Jonamac, McIntosh, Spartan, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Jonagold, Idared, Red Delicious, Empire, Stayman & Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people will one share feed?
That depends on several factors: how often you cook, how many fresh fruits and vegetables you consume, and, in some instances, whether you are interested in putting up food by canning or freezing it for the winter. One family of 3-4 should not have any trouble going through the full farm share in season, while two devoted home chefs who cook and freeze or can fruit could probably handle the same. Those who only cook for one occasionally may have some food left over for hungry and appreciative neighbors.
What are your growing practices?
Although we do not have formal organic certification, our vegetables, berries, and some of our tree fruit are grown completely organically, and to standards far beyond the "organic" produce in supermarkets. Orchard fruit is very difficult to grow organically in the northeast, and most orchards do not even attempt it, but we are transitioning more and more of our orchard to organic management each year. In our non-organic fruit blocks, we always use the most environmentally safe methods possible. For instance, we spray our trees only when it is absolutely necessary. For this part of our orchard, we are certified environmentally friendly by "Eco Apple". For more informations, click here.
Do you offer half shares?
While we do not offer formal half-shares, we encourage members to split shares. We can, and have in the past, facilitate the pairing up of two members interested in splitting a full share. If you are, let us know, and we'll try to find you a partner. It is the job of the joint members to decide how the share is split up. Alternating pick-up weeks is one strategy that has worked in the past.
What if I cannot make it to the farm during Saturday morning distribution?
We srongly encourage people to arrive at the farm during our Saturday morning pickup hours of 8-10am. If this presents an unavoidable conflict, let us know ahead of time, and we will do our best to accommodate you. In many cases, the pre-picked produce will still be available through the day Saturday, but will be put away in our cooler, and may require a wait to be retrieved. The pre-picked part of shares will not be available beyond the end of the day Saturday. Pick-your-own crops may still be available after midday Saturday, but their availability cannot be guaranteed, as our crops may be picked out on busy weekends. If you are out of town for a pickup, you may have a friend come to the farm and pick up your share for you.
What if I have to miss a week's distribution entirely?
You may always have a friend, family member, or neighbor come and pick up your share for you. Also, to allow for vacations, each member will have the option of making up two CSA pickups if they have to miss any dates during the season. There will be two additional Saturday "makeup distributions" following the last official pickup date. This will give members the option of extending their CSA season if they miss a week or two.
