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What is the Duke Mobile Farmers
Market?
The mobile market is the first market of its kind at any university. The mobile market is a form of
community supported agriculture (CSA), a concept developed in Japan in the 1960s that encourages small
farmers to provide directly to their local customers. The concept has become increasingly popular in
the United States since the 1980s.
CSAs come in several forms. Workplace or corporate CSAs, such as the mobile market, help busy professionals
get fresh produce at a fair price, delivered to their workplace.
The mobile market is different from traditional farmers markets because shoppers are required to sign-up
and pre-pay for one or more shares. A share represents part of a week's harvest — the types of products
at the mobile market vary by week and by farmer. Some farmers offer share sizes in individual, couple
and family amounts.
LIVE FOR LIFE is managing the Duke Mobile Farmers Market, which was created with help from the Cooperative Extension
Program at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and at North Carolina State University,
along with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
How does the Mobile Farmers Market differ from the Duke Farmers Market?
The Mobile Farmers Market differs from the Duke Farmers Market in that it is a pre-paid delivery of fruits and vegetables.
Adding the convenience of choice and guaranteed produce deliveries is very attractive to busy professionals that are unable to
visit the Duke Farmers Market due to its current location. For more information, visit the Duke Farmers Market web site.
How does a Mobile Farmers Market differ from visiting a grocery store for fresh vegetables, where the person can actually
chose their own fruits and veggies?
It is different in that some people want unique varieties of produce that are not available at retail markets, in addition
some people are too busy to fight the supermarket crowds and want the convenience of delivery. The Mobile Farmers Market
is a celebration of a simpler way of life, of supporting a local farmer who will bring a customer the joy of fruit and
vegetables grown near them, and packaged just for them.
What kinds of products are the farmers offering?
A wide variety. Some are offering just one product, and some are offering a variety each week.
Please visit the Participating Farms page to find product and farmer information. In general, they are offering:
- Fresh cut flowers
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Mushrooms
- Herbs
Do I sign up with each farmer individually?
Yes, employees can choose to sign up with one farmer or multiple farmers. Employees
decide which farmer(s) they would like to sign up with and submit the appropriate registration form and payment. Registration
forms can be found on the Participating Farms page.
Am I able to divide out a share/subscription among more than one farmer?
You must order from the predetermined
share structure that the farmer has developed. You may team up
with a colleague to purchase a subscription and then personally divide out the share.
Are the farmers organic?
In some cases, they may be certified organic farmers, and in some cases, they may practice environmentally sound farming
methods but don't have the official "organic" label. Please read the
farmer's fact sheets and ask the farmers for more details about their
particular growing practices.
Please keep in mind it takes three years to make the transition to being an official certified organic farm as recognized
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many North Carolina farmers are just starting to make the transition as they switch
from their traditional "cash crops" of tobacco to smaller, produce- and consumer-oriented farms. It will be our help and direct
support will help them afford to make this transition more quickly.
I don't need a full share, but I still want to participate. What can I do?
If you don't need a full share each week and your chosen farmer doesn't offer smaller shares, please feel free to team up with
your co-workers or outside family or friends in order to make up a full share. For convenience to the farmer, please have one
contact person handle the money transactions (e.g. pool your money together and give them one check).
When and where are the
farmers delivering?
Farmers will deliver to Sarah P. Duke Gardens every Tuesday between 4 and 6 p.m.
Delivery start date may vary — check with your farmer(s).
What happens if I'm not able to pick up my produce one week because I'm out of town, get sick or have some other concern?
Please check with your chosen farmer about what to do if these situations occur. They are aware that people's schedules are
often hectic and will do their best to work with you. However, please be aware that they depend on your funding to continue with
the Mobile Farmers Market. Perhaps you can "sell" or give your weekly share to a coworker or friend for the time you'll be away.
Is there a commitment period, and if so, can I opt out if I am not satisfied with the service/product/program?
Each share commitment period varies with the participating farmer. Some farmers will offer a full growing season commitment but
require partial payment at sign up. There are many commitment choices available to please your commitment level. Please
read the farmer fact sheets and check with your chosen farmer(s) about what, if anything they can do if you are unsatisfied.
What if I stop working at Duke during the season and am no longer on site to pick up my share?
Please contact your farmer directly to work out an arrangement that is fair to you both. You can be assured that the farmers
will work with you to come to a reasonable agreement. You may also be able to "sell" your share to an interested co-worker or
friend.
What if the farmer doesn't deliver the product at the specified day and time?
To avoid this, LIVE FOR LIFE has selected only farmers who are experienced
with this concept and have been recommended by the NC Cooperative Extension. If
the farmer has scheduling issues, they will contact their customers to arrange
an alternative day and time.
What will be done during inclement weather?
Most deliveries occur during the summer, so the worst weather is usually rain. The farmers bring pop-up tents to shelter themselves from the rain.
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