Blue Heron Farm
CSA Membership Agreement

This CSA Membership Agreement outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and terms of participation for members of the Blue Heron Farm Community Supported Agriculture program.

By purchasing a CSA share, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined below.

About the CSA Model

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. This model is built on shared commitment and shared risk between the farm and its members.

By joining the Blue Heron Farm CSA, members commit to supporting the farm for an entire growing season. In return, the farm commits to growing and harvesting food to the best of its ability and sharing that harvest with members throughout the season.

Members understand that farming is affected by weather, pests, labor, water, and other factors beyond the farm’s control. Variability is a fundamental part of this agreement.

Term of Membership

CSA membership is a 20 week seasonal commitment.

The CSA season runs for 20 weeks, with specific start and end dates communicated prior to signup. Dates may vary slightly year to year depending on weather and growing conditions.

Membership covers the full 20 week season and cannot be paused, shortened, or partially refunded once the season has begun.

Payment Terms

Payment is required in full at the time of signup unless otherwise stated.

CSA payments support early season farm costs such as seeds, soil amendments, labor, infrastructure, and equipment. For this reason, CSA shares are non refundable.

Pickup Days and Commitment

Members must select a pickup day at the time of signup.

Blue Heron Farm offers designated pickup groups:

  • Tuesday pickup group

  • Friday pickup group

Members commit to their selected pickup day for the entire season. When you purchase your CSA membership you will either purchase the Tuesday Pickup or the Friday Pickup.

Pickups take place at the farm unless you select delivery on your order form for that week. Click here to learn more about our delivery area.

Weekly CSA Communication and Ordering

Clear communication and firm deadlines are essential to keeping the CSA running smoothly.

Weekly Emails

All CSA communication is sent by email on Wednesdays.

  • 4:00 PM
    The weekly recipe email is sent. This email includes recipes, any news or updates on upcoming events, and also an article from Rachel.

  • 5:00 PM
    The order form for the following week’s pickup is sent. This form allows members to select their items from what is available that week as well as the any additional value items or delivery.

Members are responsible for checking their email and ensuring farm communications are not filtered into spam or promotions folders.

Order Deadline

All CSA order forms must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on Saturday evening.

This deadline is critical. It allows the farm to plan harvest, packing, and labor accurately.

If you do not submit your order by the deadline:

  • You will still receive a CSA box but the farm will choose your items for you.

Late orders will not be accepted.

Please understand that the farm cannot spend time chasing down weekly orders. Respecting deadlines allows us to focus on growing and harvesting food.

Share Contents and Variability

CSA shares reflect what is growing and ready each week.

Members understand that:

  • Shares vary in size and contents throughout the season

  • No specific items or quantities are guaranteed

  • Early season shares may be lighter and peak season shares more abundant

This variability balances out over the course of the season and is part of the CSA model.

Missed Boxes, Refunds, and Credits

CSA shares are harvested and packed specifically for members.

We cannot offer refunds or credits for missed boxes, regardless of the reason. This includes missed pickups, late orders, travel, schedule conflicts, or forgotten pickups.

If you do not submit an order or miss a pickup:

  • Your share is still considered fulfilled

  • No refunds or credits will be issued

This policy is essential to the sustainability of the CSA.

Pickup Policy and Forfeited Shares

CSA boxes must be picked up during the designated pickup window for your assigned pickup day.

Unless arrangements are made ahead of time and in writing, any CSA box not picked up during the pickup window is considered forfeited.

Forfeited boxes:

  • Will not be held for later pickup

  • Are not eligible for refunds or credits

  • Will be redistributed for farm purposes at the farm’s discretion

Farm purposes may include donation, staff shares, or use within farm operations.

Alternate Pickup by Friends or Family

If you are unable to pick up your CSA box during your scheduled pickup window, you are welcome to have a friend, family member, or trusted person pick up your share for you.

It is the member’s responsibility to inform the alternate pickup person:

  • of the correct pickup day and time

  • the member’s name that the CSA is associated

  • any required pickup details (for example: to bring a tote bag and to return any containers)

No advance notice is required for alternate pickups, as long as the box is picked up during the scheduled pickup hours.

If a box is not picked up and no prior written arrangements have been made, it will be forfeited and redistributed according to farm policy.

Add Ons and Extras

Optional add ons such as dried fruit, flowers, or other farm products may be available during the season.

Add ons are subject to availability and may have separate policies, pricing, and ordering requirements.

Food Safety and Handling

Members are responsible for proper handling, storage, and preparation of CSA items after pickup.

Blue Heron Farm is not responsible for spoilage or food safety issues once the share has left the farm.

Allergies and Dietary Needs

CSA shares are not customizable for individual allergies or dietary restrictions.

Members are responsible for determining whether CSA participation is appropriate for their needs.

Farm Access and Liability

CSA pickups take place on a working farm.

Members acknowledge that farm environments include uneven ground, tools, equipment, animals, and weather exposure.

Participation is voluntary and at the member’s own risk. Blue Heron Farm is not responsible for injury, illness, or loss except where required by law.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Communication Responsibility

Members are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate contact information

  • Reading weekly CSA emails

  • Staying informed about pickup instructions and deadlines

Failure to read communications does not exempt members from CSA policies.

Changes and Termination

This CSA Membership Agreement applies to the season in which the share is purchased.

The farm reserves the right to modify operations or terminate membership without refund in cases of repeated policy violations or behavior that compromises safety or community standards.

Agreement Acknowledgment

By purchasing a CSA share, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this CSA Membership Agreement.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this agreement, please contact us before signing up.

Email: info@theblueheronproject.com
Location: Bishop, California

We are grateful for your support and honored to grow food for you.