Frequently asked questions
Q: Are you organic?
A: We don't use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, all the nutrients and plant food we use are natural, but we are not certified organic. More information on how we grow can be found in 'Our farm philosophy'.
Q: Do you have a farm shop?
A: No, but you can find our produce at these locations:
- Salty River Farm is at Matakana Village Farmer's Market on Saturdays. You can pre-order for market pickups here on our online shop
- Matakana Smokehouse Shopette
- The Superette, Omaha Beach
Q: Do you grow everything you take to the farmers market?
A: We're the first to admit we can't grow some things better than other growers - like carrots from Ohakune, potatoes from Pukekohe or kumara from Dargaville, so we buy what we can't grow from other NZ growers. Although we prefer to support growers with similar growing philosophies to us, often this isn't possible, and these items may be grown conventionally. Check our price tickets for information on spray-free etc. Our online shop for market pre-orders also has this information.
Q: Why have you closed your home-delivery service?
A: We aim to operate more local to our farm; use less fuel and be more time efficient. We needed our home-delivery service during the covid years when the farmer's market was closed. Selling our produce at the market and at our stockists is a more efficient way for us to sell right now.
Q: When is the order cut-off for market and farm pickup?
A: Pre-orders need to be in by Thursday evening for pickup Friday for farm pickup and Saturday for market pickup.
Q: What crops do you grow?
A: Have a read of 'About Us'. Subscribe to our farm update and follow us on facebook or instagram to keep up to date with crop planting and harvesting.
Q: What packaging do you use?
A: We use home-compostable/worm-farm-friendly bags to package our leafy-greens and lettuce mixes. We use paper bags, rubber bands and re-use paper handle bags at the market. Please think of us if you have paper handle bags for us to re-use at the market. More info about packaging at 'Our farm philosophy'.
Q: Do you run farm visits?
A: This is something we're planning on doing in the future. It would be a day when you can visit the farm, see how we grow, meet the farm animals and have a country day out. Follow us on facebook or instagram for updates.
Q: How do I keep up to date with what crops are coming up?
A: The best way to keep up with what's happening on the farm is to subscribe to our farm update email and follow us on facebook or instagram. We also do a 'Farm update' on the online shop each season.