Q: How do biodynamic farming practices exceed the USDA's National Organic Standards?
A: Here are a few examples. Taken from Demeter guidelines.

• A farm is a self-contained organism.
  
• All composting must happen on the farm. All imported manures and clippings must be composted.
  
• No animal rendered product can be used in the field and/or for animal feed supplement, for example, bone, blood, hoof and horn meal are prohibited as fertilizers.
  
• Treated seeds are prohibited.
  
• Crops for human use cannot be grown under high voltage power lines.
  
• Chilean nitrate (aka sodium nitrate) is prohibited.
  
• No adulteration can be used to enhance yield and size of plants; for example no plant hormones, such as gibberillic acid are used.
  
  

Q: Do biodynamic farmers use pesticides?
A: Biodynamic farmers never use synthetic chemicals. On certified Demeter farms, only plant derived and other non-lasting pest controls are permitted, with restrictions. Biodynamic farmers seek nutrient self-sufficiency, soil husbandry; and use Biodynamic preparations to build soil health through enlivened compost. These preventive measures increase soil fertility and build up populations of beneficial insects (insects who feed on bad bugs), therefore eliminating the use of any type of chemicals for pest control.

Q: Why do biodynamic products cost more?
A:Biodynamic farmers face the additional costs of more labor-intensive weeding, and preparation practices, and more expensive natural fertilizers. Nonetheless, when assessing the cost of biodynamic products, more than just the sticker price of a single item should be considered. If the overall expenses of repairing the damage caused by conventional food production are considered – environmental pollution, health risks to farmers and their workers, soil erosion, to name a few - the actual costs of those foods is quite large.

Q: What does Demeter certified mean?
A:The Demeter Association of America is the certifying agency for biodynamic farming operations. Demeter USA has established a series of guidelines for biodynamic as well as organic-in-transition-to-biodynamic agricultural practices. Demeter is the name of the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. This name was chosen in the late 1920's by biodynamic farmers in Europe to represent their products in the marketplace. The name of the ancient goddess is derived from "Da Meter", meaning "Mothe" or "Gaia". Demeter mythology dates back as early as Isis mythology of Egypt. In more recent times, the Roman goddess, Ceres, was associated with many of the same attributes as Demeter. Aurora is a subsidiary of Demeter Association. It was originally created to certify whole farm systems in the United States and to help facilitate the transition of organic operations into biodynamic ones.Steller Certification is a third party certifying agency for the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) and the organic certification arm of Demeter. Demeter is not a approved certification agency within the NOP, therefore Marian Farms has chosen to be dual certified. In addition to being certified organic in the United States, we are certified in the EU by IMO (Institution for Market Ecology).

When buying biodynamic product, remember always to look for the Demeter logo. This is the only way to ensure that the product is made in accordance with biodynamic agricultural practices. To learn more, click on Demeter Certification or www.demeter-usa.org.

Q: How do biodynamic agricultural practices differ from organic farming practices?
A: Both practices strive to improve the soil health. Organic methods do not differentiate between compost of varying materials. The biodynamic farmer mixes carefully portioned amounts of raw materials to form compost according to specified formulae. The biodynamic practitioner's intent is to produce compost in such a way as to lose as few nutritional elements as possible, while incorporating various dynamic practices. Those Biodynamic practices include Biodynamic preparations and herbal remedies. Biodynamic farming looks upon the soil as a living organism and regards the maintenance and furtherance of soil life as fundamentally essential in order to preserve the soil's fertility for generations to come.


CSA FAQ
Q: Why do I have to pay a non-refundable deposit?
A: Your deposit is part of the membership price. It is deducted from the total payment amount. The deposit is non-refundable because Marian Farms is looking for a serious commitment from all their members. In order to make a CSA production plan for the season the farm needs to allocate resources such as land, transplants, and other farm inputs. Planting cycles cannot be changed over night, it requires a lot of pre-planning to make sure we are able to satisfy our CSA members.

Q: What happens if I have financial hardship or have to re-locate and I am unable to finish my membership commitment?
A: You will be refunded if you are able to find a replacement for the remainder of the season.

Q: What happens when I go on vacation I am unable to pick up my box?
A: When you are going out of town you will have to be responsible to have your box picked up at your drop off site. Donate a box to a friend or family member, they will love having fresh fruits and vegetables. This kind gesture makes a great gift!

Q: Whom do I contact if I have any questions or feedback regarding my membership?
A: Whether you have administrative questions or feedback, We always appreciate any feedback regarding box contents and quality. The most effective way to give us feedback is either by e-mail, our website contact link, or when you submit a payment.

Q: I just found out about your CSA and I would like to join, but it is already in the middle of the season – can I still join?
A: If Marian Farms has available space we can take on mid-season members. Payments are pro-rated monthly or annually and a deposit is still required. Contact us for opening availability.