WATERBEAR FARM IS UNIQUE BECAUSE WE ARE CERTIFIED ORGANIC AND WE USE BIODYNAMIC METHODS. AS A CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARM WE ARE COMMITTED TO USING CERTIFIED ORGANIC SEEDS, FERTILIZERS, AND DISEASE AND PEST CONTROLLING SPRAYS. IN FACT EVERY THING WE DO MUST COMPLY WITH STRICT STANDARDS TO INSURE THAT THE FOOD WE SELL IS CLEAN AND FREE OF SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS AND TOXIC ELEMENTS. WE ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AND INCREASE THE HEALTH OF OUR SOIL BY USING COVER CROPS, CROP ROTATION, CONTOUR PLOWING AND COMPOST.
BIODYNAMIC FARMING PRACTICES WERE INTRODUCED IN THE EARLY 1900S BY RUDOLPH STEINER. HE DEVELOPED A METHOD OF MAINTAINING SOIL AND PLANT HEALTH BY USING SPECIALLIZED COW MANURE, HERBAL AND MINERAL PREPERATIONS THAT CAN BE MADE BY THE FARMER USING INGREDIENTS FOUND ON MOST FARMS. HE ALSO REFINED AND EVOLVED THE PRACTICE OF PLANTING, WEEDING AND TILLING BASED ON THE POSITION OF THE MOON, PLANETS AND CONSTELLATIONS. WE FIND THE BIODYNAMIC METHODS IN PARTICULAR TO HAVE A VERY BENEFICIAL INFLUENCE ON THE QUALITY, FLAVOR AND MEDICINAL QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCE.
Frequently asked Questions and Answers
How late can I sign up? You can now sign up at any time, however, we may run out of space as the season progresses
How do I sign up? Follow the link on the sign up page to a printable sign up form on googledocs.com and print the page. Then choose your Pick up location, share size and extras like meat, eggs and bread and mail it in with a check.
Do I really get to choose what I put in my bag? Yes, You get to fill your bag with whatever you want from our table. We distribute our food based on volume and count.There may be some items that you can only take a certain amount of. Those items will vary through out the season.
What if I get to the pick up site after 6pm? As soon as you know you are going to be late call the site manager and ask him to set aside a share for you. If this is not possible ask the site manager to make a note that you would like special consideration next week. Please do not be shy about this.
What if I cant eat all the food I get? Make gumbo, have a party, give it to that homeless guy on the corner of 5th and Elm... or, Freeze it, Store it for up to 10 days in the fridge, make a soup and freeze it, dehydrate and store things like tomatos, kale and squash .... blend lettuce and spinach on high for 3 minutes, add some lemon juice and a little ginger drink it to heal your whole body in one day.
Is all the food really grown on your farm? Yes, all the vegetables beef and pork and all the eggs and chicken are grown on our farm.
Do I have to do the work day? No. But if you do you get your 40 dollar deposit back in cash or check at the end of your work day. Bring gloves, a hat, tough shoes with tread, a snack, band aids, water, a six pack of Mgd ( use this to bribe the field boss and quit early), and clothes that can get dirty.
Can I work on Saturday? Yes but you must call by 9am Friday morning and schedule your time. 577 9178
Do you have a monthly newsletter? No, we decided to skip that and grow more great food instead. If you are unfamiliar with a veggie variety, please call me or email me, Richie at 577 9178. The pick-up site manager is also available to answer your inquiries, write down your questions and take additional orders for extra items. If he/she can't answer you can email us or call Justin or Richie, but, we prefer that you talk to the pick up site manager.
Can I sign up in July after my garden gets over run with weeds and all my tomatoes get blight? Well O.K. I guess that's all right but we might be full.
Can I cancel my membership and get my money back? You must give us 30 days advance notice before you cancel your share to recieve a refund for the remaining weeks.
What do I do if I cant pick up my share? Call your pre-planned list of people you love who would like to try out a share for a week and ask them to pick up in your name.
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to our awesome, buffet style, choose your own veggies, certified organic, CSA pick up site, of course.
What is the difference between organic and naturally grown, low spray or biologically grown? The diiference is huge! Only Certified Organic farms are inspected by independent certifying agencies every year. The requirements are strict and it takes a good deal of skill as an organic farmer to farm within the rules. Many local farmers use chemical fertilizers and sprays that would void organic certification for three years and they call it "natural" or "low spray". There are no standards or inspections for biologically, natural or local foods. Those terms are basically just gimmics to try and sell more. There is no substitute for certified organic.
EMPLOYMENT? WE ARE ALL WAYS LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED,( MINIMUM 3 YEARS GROWING PRODUCE FOR 90% OF YOUR INCOME), VEGETABLE FARMER. WE HAVE A GROWING BUSINESS ON A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN PARADISE. IF EXPERIENCE IS WHAT YOUR AFTER, WE ARE ALSO ALL WAYS LOOKING FOR A GOOD FIELD HAND TO PLANT WEED AND HARVEST. SEND RESUME TOWATERBEARORGANICFARM@YAHOO.COM. PLEASE INCLUDE REFERENCES.
