Frequently Asked Questions

What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

In short, you subscribe today and we deliver what we grow over a period of time. In 2021 our CSA ran 13 weeks from June - September. Our 2022 offering will follow a similar timeline. But really, the CSA model is so much more than that. Typically, subscriptions close ahead of the growing season. Your membership helps the farmer pay for all of the expenses and labor that come before harvesting the food. Then, as the food is harvested, CSA members reap the benefits. You can learn more about the benefits to consumers and farmers on the USDA’s website.

Why join our CSA?

Queens Farms offers fresh, nutrient-rich food, grown locally and sustainably. We grow our vegetables in Lagrangeville, NY - about 70 miles north of New York City. Our herb gardens are right here in Astoria. We are Certified Naturally Grown, which demonstrates our commitment to sustainable agriculture, improving the environment, and safe, healthy food.

We are solely a CSA. We do not sell at farmers markets, wholesale, or to restaurants. That means that you’re getting our best produce - we don’t need to save the “pretty stuff” for a display stand or a plate somewhere else.

We are local. We live in Astoria, and have for 20 years. We grow our produce about 70 miles north of New York City in the Hudson Valley, and our herbs and figs right here, where we live.

We are committed to our customers. We know each of our members’ names and we insist on keeping it that way.

how does the CSA work?

After learning about our customers, we have simplified our subscription model. We offer a single subscription which includes one box (1/2 bushel) of produce each week for 12 weeks, over a 13 week period - with a July 4 break. So: four weeks of produce in June, break for July 4, and another 8 boxes through the end of August.

What do I get?

We give you whatever we harvest each week. Our produce is fresh, untreated, and grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. We don’t grow grocery store varieties that are designed to ship around the world and last for weeks, so you only get the freshest vegetables, as they’re harvested. Last year our customers received tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, radishes, beets, carrots, peas, lettuces, spinach, potatoes, and additional greens like tatsoi, orach, and kale. We also included fresh herbs from our Mediterranean herb gardens in Astoria and some special add-ons from other local, organic farms, like apples and eggs.

How much is in a box?

While the amount will vary, depending on variety, time of year, and harvest, many of our members have told us they have more than enough for two adults.

What if i have a larger family?

We may be able to offer a select number of full bushel boxes. Please email us to discuss availability and pricing.

What does it cost to join?

The 2022 CSA subscription will cost $330 for 12 weeks of produce.

When and where is the weekly pickup?

Our pickup will likely be Sunday evening, however, we will poll our customers in early spring to determine the most convenient times. We cannot set pickup locations until we close the offering, to ensure that everyone will have a location that is convenient to them. That said, we will confirm with you before you join if we can serve you in a place that is convenient for you or make special arrangements, when and where possible.

what if i cannot pick up my box?

Members who communicate in advance may make alternate arrangements for pickup. Unfortunately, we cannot hold boxes overnight - there’s just no way to keep the veggies fresh once we pack our boxes and bring them to Astoria. If you know you will not be able to make a pickup, please let us know in advance so we can make alternate arrangements or donate your box to hungry New Yorkers. If you miss a pickup, your produce will be donated to those in need.

Are there labor commitments?

No! If you’ve belonged to or researched other CSAs, you’ll be familiar with labor commitments. Some farms do it to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Others do it to offset costs. All good reasons. We want to get to know you, for sure, but we’d rather have a drink with you in Astoria, than drag you upstate to pick beans!

What if I cannot afford to join?

We believe that nutritious, high quality food should be available to everyone, so we offer a limited number of subscriptions at a reduced rate, for our neighbors who need it most. Please email us to discuss arrangements and options.

What if I still have questions?

Email us with any questions!