Tierra Miguel Farm and Foundation

Tierra Miguel seems to have fallen off the face of the Earth. No CSA boxes, no refunds, no contact with their customers, no posting on their website. Just a very uninformative message on their voice mail saying they are shut down. I try to be patient because I really appreciate the effort to provide locally grown produce, but this is horrible business. I guess that doesn’t matter if they aren’t a business anymore.

I recently joined Tierra Miguel on a bi-​weekly, 2x trial period. My first scheduled pick up was on June 7^th. The box of fruits and veggies was good, but I was disappointed that they did not send out the newsletter to tell you what’s in the box until about 10pm the night before, so it made it hard to plan meals and recipes. My second box was scheduled to be picked up on June 21^st. I arrived at the designated spot to pick up my box, and there were NO boxes there. I tried to call the farm, and I got an answering machine saying the farm had been «shut down». Needless to say, the voicemail box was full. I went to the farm website, and tried to email the manager. I received an automatic reply email that stated they were no longer checking that email. I had paid for the membership with PayPal, so I went to their web site and filed a dispute, to hopefully get my money back for the box they did not deliver. So far, I have not heard from them. They wasted my time and gas money when I went to pick up the box that was not there. They also did not honor our agreement and I have heard nothing from them about returning my money. This whole situation could have been prevented if Tierra Miguel would have had the common courtesy to email their customers, and let them know in advance that the boxes weren’t going to be delivered, and let us know when we can expect a refund. But they didn’t bother. I am MORE than unhappy with the service I received from this CSA. If you are looking for a reliable CSA that appreciates their customers, and delivers what was promised, then I would highly suggest looking else where.

I had a CSA subscription in SF and the produce and service was great. After moving to LA earlier this year, I wanted to find a local CSA. For those considering signing up, here’s a couple pointers:
–For $ 250, you get 10 weekly or bi-​weekly pickups at a location conveniently close to you.
–However, once you pay that $ 250 via Paypal, it’s gone. If you don’t like the produce, too bad.
–The veggies are an ok mix but you receive significantly less than other CSA’s. Guess I was spoiled.
The biggest reason for the two star rating though is because you CAN NEVER, EVER get a hold of their staff. I tried to put my subscription on vacation hold, took 2 days and 8 calls to get through. When I returned from vacation and tried to re-​activate, it took, no kidding, ONE WEEK and 20 frigging calls.
My SF CSA was essentially a two lady operation and one always got back to us within 48 hours. So there are really no excuses for the nil customer service.
UPDATES: THIS F’IN FARM IS THE WORST. They have fallen off the face of the earth. Lesson learn, make sure the farm you’re doing a CSA with has a long and proven track record.

I love Tierra Miguel Foundation! They are doing amazing work to educate the public on sustainable food systems. They also grow amazing bio-​dynamic food. Stop by their farm store for some fresh, local in-​season produce. The honey is some of the best I have ever had.