Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about RipeCrate.
What is RipeCrate?+
RipeCrate shows you what's growing at farms near you — in real time. Search by crop, distance, or season, then message the farmer directly. We're a Massachusetts Public Benefit Corporation, which means our mission is baked into our corporate charter.
How does RipeCrate work?+
Farms tell us what they grow through a quick call or text — takes under 5 minutes. That becomes searchable crop data for buyers. You search, find what you need, and message the farmer. We check in with every farm weekly to keep listings current.
Is RipeCrate free for farms?+
Yes, always. No exceptions, no hidden fees, no premium tiers. That's a core principle written into our corporate charter and it won't change.
How much does RipeCrate cost for buyers?+
You get 30 days free with no credit card required. After that, the buyer plan is $349/month. Additional team seats are $49/month each. Early supporters get 20% off, locked in for as long as they subscribe.
What areas does RipeCrate cover?+
We focus on Massachusetts right now — the Pioneer Valley (Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden counties), Greater Boston (Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex counties), and Cape Cod (Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket counties). We go deep in each region before expanding.
How do farms get listed on RipeCrate?+
A farm can get listed by taking a call from our AI assistant or filling out the form on our site. The whole thing takes under 5 minutes and works on any phone — including older Android devices. No app download.
How does RipeCrate keep farm data fresh?+
We check in with every active farm weekly by phone or text. Each listing shows when it was last updated so you know what you're looking at. Anything older than 14 days gets flagged.
Does RipeCrate handle delivery or logistics?+
No. We never touch food — no logistics, no delivery, no warehousing. We connect you with the farm. You and the farmer work out pickup or delivery directly.
What types of products can I find on RipeCrate?+
We track farms across 13 categories: Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, Meat, Dairy & Eggs, Honey & Maple, Baked Goods, Value-Added Products, Flowers & Plants, Mushrooms, Grains & Dry Goods, Fiber & Specialty, and Seafood.
Can I browse farms without an account?+
Absolutely. The farm directory and the farmers market directory (368+ Massachusetts markets) are free and open to everyone. No account needed to browse, see crops, or find market schedules.