Frequently Asked Questions About HebVeg
We began to supply local, seasonal, organic veg boxes in January 2011. You might have had a regular or occasional vegetable box from us or perhaps you have been waiting to see where it goes next.
In July 2011, we held a public meeting to find out how people wanted to take the scheme forward and we came up with a plan..
From October 1st 2011, HebVeg became a membership scheme. Members agree to pay upfront for a year’s ‘cropshare’, either as a lump sum or by regular standing order. HebVeg will then grow and source local, seasonal vegetables and fruit, grown to high ethical standards to provide members with veg boxes for 40 weeks of the year. ‘Volunteer Members’ can join HebVeg and elect to just help out but not receive a cropshare.
What is it all about then?
HebVeg is about our community supporting local farmers and growers to produce food for us in a sustainable and planet friendly way and in return them supporting us by growing specifically for our member’s needs. It builds cooperation and mutual support so that the risks and rewards of farming are shared between the farmers and members.
How much does a cropshare cost and what do I get?
Members of HebVeg pay £400 (equivalent to £10 per box) for a full annual cropshare and receive a vegbox containing 6-7 types of veg/fruit, sufficient for 2-3 people, for 40 weeks of the year. Monthly payment and half cropshare / small size box options are available too.
Is the box delivered to me?
No. Members pick up their box from collection points in and around Hebden Bridge. Members are encouraged to help each other out and collect boxes for others that live near them. A number of collection points and times are being arranged to make collecting your veg more convenient.
Why am I being asked to pay upfront or commit to regular payments by standing order?
For this Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme to work, HebVeg needs to have the certainty of a steady income so it can invest in the growing projects and the grower(s). A single annual payment will enable important purchases of seed, tools, fencing and other materials. Monthly standing orders will enable us to plan how much produce to buy and grow and pay our grower and other regular costs.
Are there any other benefits to membership?
By joining HebVeg, you will
help to support the production of local food using low impact methods and minimal transport.
be participating in a valuable community project that offers volunteer and learning opportunities as well as getting to know like-minded people and building social capital in our town.
decide how the scheme is run, including our aims and objectives; our working principles; how we organise ourselves to do the day to day work; how money is raised and spent; what is grown and what methods are used.
have access to fresh, delicious seasonal food grown on your doorstep.
HebVeg large boxes are too big for my small household. Can I have a smaller box?
Smaller households may prefer to pay £200 for a half cropshare and receive a smaller vegbox for 40 weeks of the year. You will still be entitled to the same ‘voting rights’ as a member with a full cropshare.
HebVeg large boxes are too small for my large household. Do you offer bigger boxes?
No – if you need more, we would ask that you pay for an additional half or full cropshare. You will still be entitled to the same ‘voting rights’ as a member with a half or full cropshare.
Can I share a cropshare?
You can partner with someone else to share out a full cropshare so that you and one other household have a large veg box on alternate weeks for 40 weeks of the year. Each household becomes a member and gets a vote.
I would be paying for a year upfront. Why does HebVeg only supply for 40 weeks?
Because we are committed to only supplying what can be grown in season, locally to Hebden Bridge, there will be a period in the year when it becomes very difficult to supply vegetables. During this 12 week ‘hungry gap’ period, between March and May, there is no guarantee of produce but we will still be active as an organisation and run events.
What are the payment options?
Members can choose to pay for their cropshare in different ways. Whichever method they choose, they will each pay the same in total for their cropshare:
Members can pay in full for their cropshare (or half cropshare) at the beginning of the year.
Members can elect to pay monthly by standing order. The bank arranges payment from the member’s account on their behalf so they don’t have to remember to do anything.
Members can take a loan from Calderdale Credit Union to pay for a cropshare as a lump sum and then make weekly repayments to the credit union. HebVeg would pay the interest on this loan so as not to disadvantage those members choosing this route.
Do I have to give notice that I want to cancel my membership?
When you join, you also commit to give 3 months notice if you wish to leave the scheme.
This is a big commitment. Can I try out a couple of boxes before agreeing to become a member?
Yes – we aim to make ‘trial boxes’ available to non members so they can try us out before committing to membership. The cost will be £12 for a full box and £6 for a half box, subject to availability.
What about when I go on holiday?
If you give notice of when you will be away, we can make your box available to someone who wants a trial box or who wants extra. Alternatively, you can nominate a friend or neighbour to pick up your box for you so that they can make use of it. We cannot stop or refund your monthly payments for while you are away.
Where does the produce come from?
HebVeg is working towards growing and sourcing all it’s food in and around Hebden itself. We already have potatoes growing on land near Hebden Golf Course and we source some produce from growers in Pecket Well and Hebden Bridge. However, in the short term, we will be buying in some produce from an organic grower in Hipperholme, near Halifax. When they have insufficient, they will buy in from organic growers in North Yorkshire.
Why does HebVeg only supply local and seasonal produce?
By sticking to what can be grown locally and in season, we are protecting ourselves against rising costs of imported food and helping to minimise the energy used to grow and transport food out of season.
Who will do the growing?
HebVeg is now paying a part time grower but we continue to rely on volunteers to do some of the work. We welcome extra offers of support for growing.
What growing standards will HebVeg meet?
It would be prohibitively expensive for us to obtain organic certification but we will grow using organic methods. We may obtain Climate Friendly Food accreditation
I would like to get more involved. What opportunities are there?
We need volunteers for driving, admin, publicity, writing for newsletters, packing, serving and helping with growing and harvesting. We also need people to stand for election to the Core Group – a day-to-day scheme management group.
Members can get involved as regular volunteers or participate in occasional volunteer workdays to help grow and harvest the food and also prepare and preserve food surpluses. Occasional training days might be provided for members. We plan to run social events and open days at our growing sites, too. It is possible to become a ‘Volunteer Member’ and help the scheme without paying for and receiving a cropshare.
Member meetings will be held monthly, on the second Tuesday of the month.
How is HebVeg organised?
We are currently constituted as an Unincorporated Association. We are not for profit and we are reliant on volunteers.
This all sounds great. How do I join?
Download the membership form and return it to us.