Community-supported agriculture

This solution was shared by Wageningen University & Research , 20 February 2023

Print date: 06 December 2024 09:39

Description of the innovative solution

Farmers invest a lot of money and time into their farming practices before they reap the benefits, which does not come without risks. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a production and marketing model where consumers can buy shares of a farm’s harvest in advance. At the start of the growing season, consumers can become CSA members by agreeing on a lump sum or in instalments. The cost usually depends on the harvest season, variety, and quantity of products. The upfront to the farm facilitates purchasing the seed and other inputs necessary for the farmer to have an income to grow the produce, and with that reduces financial risk for the farmer. This solidarity model also relieves the farmer of extra time for marketing and CSA members share in the risk of production. This allows the farmer to concentrate on good land stewardship and growing high quality food. In return for their membership fee, consumers receive a variety of freshly produced food, vegetables and fruits on a weekly basis. This results in a varied diet with freshly produced healthy diet on the consumer side.

Primary users

Small & medium commercial farmers
Rural communities
Rural consumers
Urban consumers
Peri-urban consumers
Peri-urban communities

Dietary impact

The members of the CSA-farm receive a box with a variety of freshly produced food items weekly. This variety of fresh food items contributes to a nutrition-rich and varied diet, resulting in good human health. Depending on the season, the variety of food items is larger or smaller. The members, or co-owners, of the farm have a say in what is produced on the farm, which increases consumer-engagement in food production. This could contribute to more nutritious food choices and greater awareness of food production practices.

Planetary impact

CSA-farms produce a variety of food products, which contributes to higher biodiversity. Also, well-performed agriculture practices can contribute to restoring and maintaining good soil health. Healthy soil is highly essential, since it has many benefits on different levels. For instance, healthy soil increases the nutritional value of the food grown in it, it absorbs carbon and so contributes to reducing/reversing global warming, and it contributes to good water management practices.

Equity impact

CSA-farming has the potential to improve access to healthy, safe and fresh food for different socio-economic groups. If, for instance, the financial contribution of the CSA-member to the farm would be calculated based on a member’s income (instead of asking everyone for the exact same contribution), this could improve the access to food for the lower-income group. Also, cooperative food initiatives, such as CSA, have the potential to create a sense of community among the users/members. Therefore, including different socio-economic groups at the farm, could stimulate social integration and create a common interest among different groups.

Main concerns

To be part of a CSA-farm, members need to buy themselves in and/or need to pay a monthly fee to provide the farmer with enough resources to run the farm. This means that it is more difficult for low-income consumers to become part of such a farm community. Alternative finance constructions have to be tested to make CSA accessible for consumers of all income levels, while maintaining an economically viable model.

Supply chain segment

Consumers

Maturity level

Gaining traction

Criteria

Food quality Food availability Increasing agrobiodiversity

SDG target

SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Context

Peri-urban Rural

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