How do I place an order ?

PLEASE NOTE : IT IS OUR POLICY TO ALWAYS RESPOND TO, AND ACKNOWLEDGE EVERY E-MAIL WE RECEIVE. IF YOU DO NOT GET A REPLY PLEASE CONTACT US BY TELEPHONE AND LEAVE A MESSAGE IF WE ARE UNAVAILABLE . MANY THANKS.

 Where does our fruit and veg come from?

Our main fruit and vegetable supplier is based in North Yorkshire, and our eggs come from Catton, nr. Thirsk. 

All of our dairy produce and juice (unless stated) is sourced locally from Darlington.

How do I know its fresh? 

 All of our produce is hand picked, collected and inspected on a Wednesday morning, prior to delivery to ensure optimum freshness and taste.

How do I know its Organic?

Organic growers and producers are registered and

inspected by certificating bodies such as the

Soil Association  and Organic Farmers and Growers.   

 Anything labelled organic has therefore been grown

or produced to comply to strict guidelines,

with no chemical interference.

We believe that organic food is not some esoteric new age fad, but a simple return to food production as it should be.

 Organic standards are extremely stringent and cover every aspect of registration and certification, organic food production, permitted and non permitted ingredients, the environment and conservation, processing, packaging and distribution. 

 Our suppliers all meet the required organic standards and, along with ourselves are listed in the latest edition of

'The Organic Directory'. 

What are the benefits of organic food?

Many people turn to organic food because of concerns about pesticides. Around 350 pesticides are permitted in conventional farming and their residues are often left present in non organic food.  The routine use of synthetic pesticides is not allowed under organic standards. 

The Soil Association says an estimated 4.5 billion litres of pesticides are used annually and nobody knows the long-term implications of their combined effect.

New research has shown that organic fruit and vegetables may be better for the heart and general health, recent findings from a  ten year study have now proven that organic tomatoes compared to standard produce has double the quantity of antioxidants which help prevent high blood pressure, thus reducing the likelihood of heart disease and strokes 

 (source : The Times, July 2007) 

Research has also shown that on average all organic food contains higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and chromium as well as up to 40% more cancer fighting antioxidants.

Further recent research has now also shown that organic milk contains up to 60% more antioxidants and essential fatty acids than non-organic milk - and new findings from a study conducted in the Netherlands has now proven that children under two years of age consuming organic dairy products

had a reduced risk of developing

childhood eczema - by a staggering 36% !

(Source : Practical Parenting magazine - January 2008).

Is Organic food better for the environment?

Extensive research has shown that organic farming can be better for the environment than conventional agriculture.  Organic farming provides a much wider range of habitats and a mixed range of crops. 

By not using artificial chemicals means organic farmers minimise health and pollution problems.  They also reduce the use of non renewable resources such as fossil fuels which are used to produce fertilisers and other agrochemicals.

The Soil Association encourages high standards of animal welfare and campaigns against the misuse of antibiotics for growth promotion.

Why is organic food more expensive?

Organic food is produced on a much smaller scale

than conventional farming and is much more labour intensive due to the nature of production.

Organic producers have stricter regulations to adhere to and, for example, as all weeding is manually undertaken, rather than spraying herbicides on the produce, the process is more expensive in terms of manpower.

Organic crops are also more susceptible to natural diseases, therefore leading to yields being smaller.

Can I change the contents of my box?

  You can change the contents of your box by up to three items per week (so long as they are listed on our Box Contents page, in another box for the same delivery date).

Do this by contacting us by e-mail or telephone, but please ensure that we have any changes by a MONDAY as this is when we place our final order with the Farm ready for inspection/collection the following day.

We will always endeavour to accommodate your individual needs wherever practicable.

PLEASE ALSO ENSURE THAT YOU INFORM US OF ANY CANCELLATIONS BY A MONDAY TO AVOID WASTAGE DUE TO US OVER-ORDERING PRODUCE THAT WILL NOT BE REQUIRED.

 What happens when items are unavailable?

 Please remember that all produce is seasonal, and subject to availability. The box contents can vary each week due to this, however we do always try to replace any items not available with a similar suitable alternative, avoiding any dislikes you have previously informed us of.

Can I order any additional items not listed?

We can always arrange to organise the supply of individual items for you if you have any special requests e.g additional potatoes, (however, this would have to be in addition to your regular order with us, and is again subject to availability).

 Please see our 'extras' page, and contact us to

discuss this further.

Why does my fruit and veg look ''different''?

Organic fruit and vegetables may not always look the same, or as perfect as intensively farmed produce.

Please remember that this is because organic fruit and vegetables have not been treated with potentially

dangerous chemicals.

This method of farming will also lead to organic fruit and vegetables having a much shorter shelf life.

Are the delivery boxes recycled? 

 Yes.  We aim to use minimal packaging.

Our boxes are strong enough to withstand several uses so please remember to return them to us each time we deliver.

 Once they are no longer usuable by us they are then taken

and recycled appropriately.

Do I have to wait around for you to deliver every week? 

 No, simply contact us to arrange a convenient and

safe place for us to leave your fruit and veg,

and also to make arrangements for us to receive

your payment and collect your previous box.