Market Share FAQ

What is a Market Share?

We at Catena Farm understand that a CSA isn’t for everybody. After all, people have different lives, schedules, and eating habits. We do, however, still think it’s important for people to eat healthy, naturally grown produce, which is why we offer a Market Share option.

A Market Share is an ideal solution if you like to choose what produce you get or maybe aren’t quite ready for the commitment of a CSA membership.

It’s as easy as paying online through our website and in return getting an equal amount of ‘Market Credits’ to the dollar value you have purchased. Once you pay and get ‘Market Credits’ you can stop by our Farmer's Market stall and pick up fresh produce whenever you want. When you sign up for a Market Share you receive an extra 10%, free! All we do is add it to the total you purchased online and keep track of it. 



Where can I use my Market Share credits?

You can use your Market Share credits at any Farmer's Market that we attend. In 2021 we are attending the Lansdowne Market. Market Share credits are only redeemable at the Catena Farm stall.




How do I keep track of my credits?

The great thing about buying a Market Share is that, once purchased, you can kick back and leave the rest to us. We will remind you of you total available credits before the season starts and when you purchase something at our stall, we'll keep track of your remaining balance.




When should I buy my Market Share?

It's always appreciated and helpful to us farmers if you purchase your credits before our growing season starts in May, however, our Market Share program runs throughout the growing season (May-November) so feel free to reload at any time during those months. However, please remember your credits cannot be rolled over to next season if not redeemed.




Is there a limit to what veggies I can buy at the Farmer's Market?

Buying Market Share credits gives you the opportunity to buy as many vegetables as you want, however, we do ask that if you want to make a bulk purchase (e.g. you need 24 red peppers), please let us know in advance so we can bring extra to the market. This way it is fair to all of our customers.




What type of produce do you grow?

At Catena Farm we currently grow over 30 different types of vegetables.

So what might you see throughout the 2021 growing season?

Bulk baby greens, beans, beets, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, cucumbers, eggplant, fennel, garlic (green and cured), garlic scapes, herbs, hot peppers, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, head lettuce, mizuna, onions, parsnip, peas, potatoes, radishes, rutabaga, scallions, summer squash, sweet peppers, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips, watermelon, winter squash...and more!

 
Check out the Our Produce section for lots of great info on our veggies, how to store them, and how to cook them.

 
Is Catena Farm certified organic?

Catena Farm is not certified organic. This is mainly because we are currently on a short-term rental plot of land and it cannot be certified in the amount of time we are farming it. In the future, when we have purchased our own piece of land we will consider becoming certified organic.

That being said, we want our customers to know that we grow food for you, your family, and ourselves in the most socially responsible and environmentally conscious ways possible. We wholeheartedly reject using any kind of synthetic spray, herbicide, or fertilizer, and our farming practices go over and above the organic standards set out by the Canadian government.

While we support organic certification and the trust in which its label brings, we feel it's more important to know who grows your food, be able to ask them questions face-to-face, go and visit the farm, and eat a carrot straight from the ground knowing you haven't eaten anything that would harm you or the surrounding natural environment. Labels are great, and they make things easier when trying to make the right decisions for yourself, your loved ones, and the environment, but the best thing we can all do is make real life connections and take part in the food system which we depend on.




Can my Market Share Credits be rolled over to next season?

Market Share Credits are only valid for the growing season in which you purchased them and unfortunately cannot be carried over to the next season. Any credits left at the end of the season will be forfeited and will not be refunded.



What happens if I purchase credits at the beginning of the season and then forget about them?

This part of the Market Share program is the responsibility of the purchaser. Please make sure to remember your purchase as any credits left at the end of the season will be forfeited and will not be refunded.



Is there a minimum charge for Market Share credits?

Yes, we have a $50 minimum charge for Market Share Credits.


Can I get a refund on Market Share credits once I purchase them?

We will not be offering a refund at any point for Market Share Credits. Please ensure you are positive about your purchase before payment and thoroughly read through the FAQ section.