Perspectives from the Field: Adaptions in CSA Models in Response to Changing Times in the U.S.

Diane Smith,Lisa Chase,Hans Estrin,Julia Van Soelen Kim,Weiwei Wang

doi:10.3390/su11113115

Abstract

Representing three states in the United States, the authors describe approaches and practices of direct-to-consumer markets from their combined experience of 40 plus years of working with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), beginning in the early years of skepticism about the CSA model to the periods of rapid growth and optimism followed by today’s challenges regarding market saturation, competition from mainstream foods, complex logistics, and cultural disconnect. Through Cooperative Extension appointments in California, Vermont, and Washington, the authors have supported farmers as they have adopted CSA models and then adapted these models in response to changing consumer demand. This article examines the term and concept of CSA and how it has evolved in practice in different parts of the United States and at times been misused and co-opted for marketing purposes. We explore recent variations on the CSA model, including Farm Fresh Food Boxes (F3B), and discuss economic factors, marketing considerations, environmental stewardship, and community connections. The article concludes with projections for the future of CSA and the importance of maintaining authentic and beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers.

Highlights

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has flourished in the United States since its introduction over three decades ago [1]
While several regions in the United States are experiencing CSA growth to the point of saturation and competition resulting in innovation to reach broader consumer audiences, this article focuses on California, Vermont and Washington State because that is where we have worked for Cooperative Extension for over 40 years of combined experience to support farms with CSA and other forms of direct-to-consumer sales
The aggregated experiences of Cooperative Extension professionals working in Northern California, Vermont, and Western Washington State with CSA farms and customers is the basis for this article

Summary

Introduction

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has flourished in the United States since its introduction over three decades ago [1]. CSA has grown to the point of saturation in some regions, including parts of California, Washington State, and Vermont. While several regions in the United States are experiencing CSA growth to the point of saturation and competition resulting in innovation to reach broader consumer audiences, this article focuses on California, Vermont and Washington State because that is where we have worked for Cooperative Extension for over 40 years of combined experience to support farms with CSA and other forms of direct-to-consumer sales. Cooperative Extension was founded over 100 years ago in the United States to serve as a bridge between university research and the needs of communities. In most states, including California, Vermont, and Washington, educational offerings include topics related to agriculture and food, environment, community economic development, and youth and families

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