FRUIT SHARE BEGINS NEXT WEEK

The week of August 8th

We know that all fruit share members are eagerly anticipating the start of the fruit share, which is now just one week away.  The fruit share is a little different from past years (as reflected in the significantly lower price this year).  It will run for exactly 15 weeks from the start date and the share will consist of just one portion/bag per week.

FRUIT SHARES ARE SEPARATE FROM VEGETABLE SHARES AND ARE NOT INCLUDED.  Unless it says “FRUIT” next to your name on the check-in sheet, you have not signed up or paid for the fruit, so please DO NOT TAKE FRUIT.

We only bring enough fruit for our paid fruit share members, and it is delivered in separate open containers.  

PLEASE READ THIS E-MAIL IN ITS ENTIRETY.  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PASSING ALONG THIS INFORMATION TO THOSE WHO MAY PICK UP FOR YOU.

You may visit our website to read more about the fruit share here.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in making the fruit share program a continued success!  – Maggie & Matt and Clark, your Fruit Farmer at Briermere Farms

FRUIT SHARE Pick-up Instructions
• Starting next week (the week of August 8th) you will notice plastic crates at your site.  Unlike the vegetable shares which are pre-packed per share in cardboard boxes, the fruit shares are packed in bulk in the crates.

• If you have paid for the fruit share, it will say “FRUIT” next to your name on the check-in list.  We only send the exact number of fruit shares for those who have  “FRUIT” listed next to their name on the sheet.  For example, if only 13 people have a fruit share at your site, we send 13 portions of fruit.  There are no extras.

• Fruit Share members ONLY may take one bag of fruit per paid fruit share.

IF SOMEONE IS PICKING UP YOUR SHARE FOR YOU (A SPOUSE, FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND), YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INFORMING THEM OF THE PROPER PICK-UP PROCEDURE FOR THE FRUIT SHARE.  IF YOU ARE NOT A FRUIT SHARE MEMBER, PLEASE REMIND THEM NOT TO TAKE THE FRUIT.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Fruit Share
I’m not a fruit share member.  Why do I need to pay attention to this notice?
It’s the non fruit share members that most often cause problems at the pick-up site by taking fruit that they haven’t paid for.  This usually occurs when a new person (spouse, family member or friend) picks up the share for you and doesn’t understand the procedure.

Why is it so tempting for people to take fruit when they haven’t paid for it?
We wish we knew…we have been struggling with fruit theft (or paid fruit share members taking too much) for years.  The worst part is that the members picking up at the end of the day are the ones who go home empty handed.  This is extremely frustrating for us as it undermines the entire CSA process.  We count on our members to uphold their end of the farmer-consumer relationship by following instructions and conducting themselves properly (on the honor system) at the pick-up sites.

How long does the fruit share run?
The fruit share will run for exactly 15 weeks from the starting week.  The value of the fruit is $6.40 per week (for a 3-4lb bag) and at the end of the season, you will receive exactly $96 worth of fruit.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns.  Thank you!

– Your Farmers at the Golden Earthworm Organic Farm and Briermere Farm (the fruit farm!)