Three Charm Farm’s CSA

frequently asked questions

Q: What is a CSA?

A : CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs allow community members to buy ‘shares’ (a predetermined amount) of a local farmer’s product for the year. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship for both the member and farmer. The farmer gets a level of financial support and stability knowing that their product will sell, and members enjoy local, fresh, healthy foods, often at a discount! (Our CSA members enjoy a discount on all of our products.)

CSAs benefit the local economy and environment while allowing us all to enjoy the beautiful rural spaces that family farms provide.

Q: How does your CSA work?

A : We will have three CSA Share options in 2024: A full season plan that runs through November, a summer-only plan (Early Bird) and a fall option (Late Season). Our CSA is highly customizable. Once a session begins, members come to the farm once a week to pick up their share for that week!

Q: What if I just want to buy cheese once in a while?

A : We do offer a self-service refrigerator at the front of the barn where you can pick up product. We OFTEN are sold out before we even get it on the shelf, so we suggest that you text your order to us at 207-252-6511, then we will text you when it’s ready for pick up with a total price. When you get here, your name will be on your order in the fridge! You can pay by cash/check in the payment box, Venmo, or Paypal. You can also find our products in several local markets, stores, and farmstands!

View a list of farms, markets, and restaurants where you can find our products.

Q: When can I pick up my cheese?

A : CSA pickup is self serve, every Friday after 2 pm at your convenience. Your products will be ready and waiting for you at the farm with your name on them. Curbside pick-up, masking/gloves, or other requests are happily honored if arranged in advance at no extra cost. If you need to skip a week for any reason, please let us know one week in advance and we will double up your order for the next week instead.

We will also have a pickup location in the Kittery-Eliot area. Please let us know if you'd like to pick up your product there!

Q: How does payment work for the CSA?

A : Payment for the season is expected at the time you sign up for the CSA. You can sign up and pay securely right through our website, or you may contact us to arrange payment by cash or check.

Paying for the CSA up front is what ensures stability in the program, but if this is a significant hardship for you, please let us know and we will work with you to set up a payment plan that can work with your budget. Everybody deserves fresh, healthy, delicious cheese!!

Q: There’s an option to add 3% to my total when I buy items and make donations on your website. What is that?

A : Whenever someone checks out with a credit card, Three Charm Farm must pay a percentage of that transaction in processing fees. By adding a 3% tip, you help us cover those fees!

As a small family farm, these fees are significant, and we truly appreciate whenever anyone adds that tip!

Q: I see you use PayPal for checkout. Do I need a PayPal account to shop on your website?

A : Nope! While Three Charm Farm uses the PayPal merchant interface to securely process credit card transactions, no PayPal account is necessary for you to check out. It’s just like any other secure credit card transaction!

Q: Is it possible to add extra cheese to my share on any given week?

A : Absolutely! If you let us know a few days in advance, we can probably accommodate your additional order. If you let us know on the day of pickup, we may or may not be able to fill your extra order. We will always try!! As a CSA member, you will also get 10–15% off depending on your membership.

If you’re having an event, our products are available by the pound! Please let us know at least 3 days in advance to order cheese by the pound.

Q: Do you ship cheese?

A : We do not ship food products at this time.

Q: Can I park and visit the animals when I come to pick up my order?

A : If you are healthy, you may park and pet the animals over the fence, but please do not enter the stalls or paddocks. If you have any cold, flu, Corona Virus symptoms or exposure, we ask that you keep your distance and come pet them another day.

We also have live barn cams, our gallery page, and pictures and videos on our Facebook and Instagram pages that are always available!

Q : Driving up to the farm... How does pickup day work?

A : We ask that you drive very slowly up the hill, as there can be dogs, cats, poultry, sheep, and goats out and about! Please park close to the barn as there is an active driveway that goes through our parking area and provides access to several houses -- we need to keep that driveway clear!

Q : What if I have a change of plans and need to pick up my share on another day or time?

A : We will do all we can to accommodate you! Just please remember that we are a very small farm with limited resources and labor, so the earlier you communicate with us, the easier it will be for us to be flexible. Texting is the quickest way to get an answer and email is fine if your answer can wait 12-24 hours. Our goal is for you to enjoy our delicious cheese!

Don’t see your question?

Feel free to contact us!