Beware Bennett, Cave, and James

Well, I hate to say it, but I guess it is buyer beware when it comes to dealing with small farms.

I struck up a conversation with Mike James from Bennett, Cave, and James Organic Farming Systems in February through Local Harvest and thought he was our man for fresh, local produce. We met and toured the farm (before anything was growing), and he promised fresh veggies all summer long. I personally paid $230 for a CSA share.

I called, and called, and called, and it was one excuse after another. Too hot, too wet, too dry, got out of the field late. Finally in June I got one delivery of unripe corn and field peas (which I had to throw away). I never saw another thing from him.

Mike refuses to refund my CSA, but left me an angry slurred message on my cell phone. I guess I write that money off. I reported him to the SC Department of Agriculture, Better Business Bureau, and Local Harvest hoping that no one else would be duped.

My advice to you, support your local farmers but do your homework before you write the check. Ask for references and call them. Deal only with reputable sources.

Good luck, eat local and eat well!

Chef Kurt