Frequently Asked Questions about Be Wise Ranch CSA

Can I choose which fruits and vegetables I receive?

Shares are pre-packed each week at the farm prior to delivery. Unlike a supermarket, everything in the box is grown in season for our local area.

Many CSA members report the great satisfaction they experience from opening their share each week. They enjoy learning what vegetables and fruits are in season, including some they might not otherwise purchase. Some members say it's like Christmas every week!

We make a serious and on-going effort here at the farm to balance diversity, interest and popularity when selecting items to grow and distribute to our CSA members.

What happens if there is a crop failure?

Variations in weather conditions may cause some crops to "fail" or to yield less than expected. In farming, this is inevitable. However, because we grow a large variety of crops and because we often have a surplus of other crops, we can usually compensate for a crop failure. 

Fortunately, we have the advantage of mild weather here in San Diego. And, we have a many years of experience in selecting and growing varieties of produce that do well in our climate.

I like the idea, but will I end up spending a lot on my produce?

Be Wise Ranch produce is very affordable, and because it is picked just before delivery, it can last longer after you take it home. In fact, according to a detailed, three-year study comparing the cost of supermarket produce (chemically grown) to the cost of a CSA farm, consumers who purchased the same amount of produce (as received from the CSA) from a supermarket would have paid 37% more at the supermarket!

A Santa Barbara CSA estimated that the "supermarket" value of a 1991 share (based on local supermarket prices for non-organic produce) was estimated to be 15% higher than the actual cost of the CSA share!

And, with certified organically-grown produce, there are no hidden costs incurred for the clean-up of water and other environmental resources contaminated by toxic pesticides and herbicides, medical or other costs associated with pesticide-related disease in human and animal populations.

Prices vary according to the local growing season, the fertility of the soil, the skill of the farmers and the cost of living in the area. At Be Wise Ranch, we have a very long growing season, very fertile soil and highly skilled farmers. Community Supported Agriculture is intended to provide food to all families in all income groups and efficiency is maximized by direct consumption with no waste.

What happens to my share if I am away on vacation or on business on distribution day?

If you are unavailable to pick up your share, we encourage you to send someone in your place. You are responsible for arranging and giving your substitute thorough pick-up instructions. 

CANCELLATION POLICY: After the initial 4-week trial period we will invoice you for the remaining weeks in the quarter. Weekly members will be allowed only four (4) delivery cancellations and every other week members two (2) delivery cancellation total per quarter. Planning and planting in advance are key elements to the success of the CSA program and the farm. If you need to cancel a box after you have used up your allowable cancellations, you will need to donate your share or arrange to have someone else pick it up at your delivery point. We understand that people have schedule changes and other life altering events however, we have to have some economic stability and continuity here at the farm. We hope that you will understand and we thank you in advance for your cooperation. Cancellations can be made  by noon on Friday for the upcoming week that you wish to cancel. Please send email to bewiseranchcsa@gmail.com, or calling (760) 746-6006. You can leave a message on our answering service if the office is closed. When leaving a message, please say your first and last name slowly, date of cancellation and return phone number.

How do I pick-up my produce?

Your produce box will be delivered at the pick-up location that you choose when you subscribe to our CSA program. See the Pick-up Locations page to find a location convenient to your home and to find out your delivery day and time.

Most of our pick-up locations are private residences that do not have refrigerated storage. Although your box will be delivered in a refrigerated truck, once it is delivered it is waiting to get picked up and taken to your home where it can once again be refrigerated. To maintain the quality and freshness of your produce, it is imperative that you come during the scheduled day and time. 

We reuse our waxed boxes as a way to keep costs to a minimum. Please bring a bag or box with you to transfer your share into. Please make sure to unfold your box after transferring the produce and leave the drop site tidy.

DUE TO FOOD SAFETY REASONS WE DO NOT REUSE ANY OTHER PACKAGING MATERIALS – please reuse/recycle the plastic bags and berry containers at home.

Late fee policy:

Payments received after the start of the new quarter will be subject to a $10.00 late fee.