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How does the Box Scheme Work?

The idea of forming direct links between consumers and growers/farmers is now well established in Britain. It benefits both the customer and the producer. Customers receive fresh local organic produce on a regular basis, whilst the producer has a reliable market which isn't subject to the 'cosmetic' dictates of the supermarkets. By supplying direct to the customer, the producer eliminates the middle-man's mark-up and so can keep costs down. Our box scheme operates as follows:-

Customers receive a weekly box of seasonal vegetables delivered to their house or office and are kept informed of which vegetables to expect by way of an occasional newsletter. The boxes/bags are filled with as wide a selection of seasonal produce as possible. I aim to grow the vast majority of the produce myself, but where this isn't possible (such as field-scale vegetables), I import from the nearest organic producers in Jersey. Occasionally in times of scarcity, I buy in from an English organic wholesaler.

I don't price out each item individually; it's more a case of every customer receiving a share of the harvest. If I have a seasonal glut of one particular crop, I will distribute it between all the boxes and everyone benefits. This gives customers the opportunity to freeze any excess produce for the winter months, or maybe give some to their family or friends!

It's important to grasp this concept as I do not run an individual ordering service, although customers have the opportunity of opting out of any vegetables they really dislike, in which case I try to give a substitute or provide them with an additional quanity of another vegetable. Think of me as your 'gardener', going to your vegetable patch and harvesting whatever is ready!

If at any time you find you are not getting what you require, please contact me and I can discuss it with you.

What are the benefits?

• Fresh, wholesome, tasty organic produce, reasonably priced and mainly Guernsey grown.



• Seasonal variety.



• Free from genetic modification and harmful chemicals.



• Less packaging and waste.



• Support for sustainable horticulture and local producers.



• Better for the environment - cuts down on food miles.

Vegebox or Vegebag?

To help you decide which would suit you best, listed below are their main features:

Vegebox

• £18 per box, including delivery.



• Contains a minimum of 8 different vegetables (often up to 12 in the summer), including 'staples' such as potatoes, carrots, onions etc. (subject to availability), as well as more exotic items such as aubergines, celeriac, fennel, etc.



• Depending upon your circumstances, a vegebox should be enough for 3 or 4 adults or a small family for about a week, although I can't, of course, guarantee to supply all your vegetable needs. Some dedicated vegetarians and/or passionate cooks find they need two boxes a week!



• Delivered to your house or office free of charge. The delivery day (Tuesday or Friday) depends on your delivery address.



• Payment: By cash, cheque or directly into my business account. Pay as you go or in advance. If paying by cheque, please reduce my bank charges by paying for more than one delivery at a time on the same cheque.

Vegebag

The smaller 'mini' or 'vegebag' contains just over half the amount of vegetables in the bigger box.

A mini is usually suitable for either for one or two people, a household that does not eat so many vegetables, or someone looking for organic vegetables on a budget. The main features of this service are as follows:

• £10.00 if collected, £11.00 if delivered as a 'stand-alone' item.



• A minimum of six different vegetables (usually more), including such 'staples' as potatoes, carrots or other seasonal roots and salad crops (when available).



• The mini offers a more basic selection of vegetables and only the more 'common' vegetables will generally be provided. More 'exotic' items such as aubergines, chillies, fennel, pumpkins, etc. will not always be included, although they may be from time to time, according to the season and availability.



• In order to keep the scheme as simple as possible and to keep down costs, it will not normally be possible to select or reject specific vegetables, except in exceptional circumstances (allergies, etc.).



• Minis are only available as a regular order. Please complete and return the application form, stating your choice of collection or delivery.
  
  

There are three collection/delivery options:

1. You may collect from Hillcrest Vinery, Rue du Preel, Castel. I will give you full instructions on how to find us when I receive your application form. The cost is £10.00. There is a choice of two collection days, Tuesday or Friday, between 1.30pm and 5.30pm (outside these hours by prior arrangement only).

2. You may have your 'mini' as a 'stand alone item' delivered to your home or office. However, we do make a £1.00 delivery charge, so the total cost for this service is £11.00. Your delivery day depends on where you live or work.

Unibags

Approximately five different seasonal organic vegetables suitable for one person, the Unibag can be ordered and collected during the summer months from our Castel vinery. See Unibags for more details.

Holidays

If at any time you want to cancel your delivery, either temporarily, when you go on holiday for instance, or permanently, please contact me with as much notice as possible.

Absolute deadlines are:
Tuesday customers: by the previous Sunday midday
Friday customers: by the previous Wednesday midday.

Last minute cancellations will only be accepted in the case of emergency, otherwise a cancellation fee of £5 will be levied.

How do I join the scheme?

Turn to the Orders Page for downloadable application forms. It's that simple!

Finally, if you have any queries or anything you wish to discuss, please ring me on 237547, fax me on 233045 or send e-mail. I welcome any feedback or any ideas you may have about improving the scheme.

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