2023/24 THE ORCHARD KEEPERS // CSA

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

This MOU outlines the shared commitments involved in the relationship between the Orchard Keepers and their CSA members. By signing up for a Pick-Your-Own Community Supported Agriculture (PYO-CSA) share, we assume you’ve read and agreed to everything on this page.

If you would like a PDF copy of this MOU please email us.

As a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) member of the Orchard Keepers (OKs),

I agree 

  • To pay the suggested price for the season. 
  • That if I am unable to pick the full quantity of fruit I’m entitled to over the season, the OKs will otherwise ensure the produce is picked and used so no fruit is left hanging in the orchard where it may contribute to disease problems or otherwise go to waste.
  • To support the Teiki principles of CSA.
  • To receive the Orchard Keepers newsletter and be added to the Orchard Keepers email database.

I understand that

  • I have the right to ask the OKs questions about farming methodologies (we would love you to!).
  • I will be able to pick fruit, when available, including different varieties of apricots, plums, pears, nashis, and apples according to seasonality and farm availability.
  • By purchasing a CSA share, I am effectively backing the Orchard Keepers to grow my fruit.
  • While every effort will be made by the Orchard Keepers to grow high-quality fruit, factors out of their control may affect the quality or quantity of that fruit (e.g., hail, too much rain in spring, pestilence).
  • I am part of a community that is collectively sharing risk, as opposed to all of that being on the farmer alone.
  • This means I may have to share in adversity as well as abundance.
  • The ‘name your price’ range method is an experimental sales model aimed at collectively subsidising ethical food for those in financial hardship.

As the Orchard Keepers, we in turn agree to

  • Communicate regularly with our members via newsletter and emails.
  • Understand our role in the education of members about the CSA model and our farming ethos.
  • Be transparent and therefore accountable.
  • Minimise our carbon footprint where possible (e.g., reduce packaging and transport).
  • Maintain organic certification.
  • Strive to grow the highest quality, most abundant, and most nutritious fruit possible.
  • Farm ethically, e.g., treat all parts of the ecosystem with respect.
  • Continue to educate ourselves and stay knowledgeable about best practices in organic farming.
  • Value the input of our CSA community.
  • ‘Pay the Rent’ to Castlemaine Pay The Rent.