Abstract
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an alternative form of distributing agricultural products, including fish, consistent with the model of food supply chain shortening. It extends beyond the traditional model of profit maximization and aims at strengthening local interactions with food consumers. The purpose of this article is to assess the feasibility of implementing the CSA model in the Polish carp market, representing the dominant aquaculture product. The research focused on the potential identified on the supply and demand sides of the carp market. The source material was collected through a pilot two-track empirical study conducted in 2019 in the Barycz Valley, where the largest complex of carp breeding ponds is located in Poland, and in Europe. We propose that the following CSA model of direct sales can become a source of specific benefits in the economic, social, and environmental dimensions for the key stakeholders of the supply chain, (i.e., carp producers and consumers). The research results show that in the case of carp production in Poland, CSA may turn out a desirable support for the sale of fish in the future; however, the existing conditions are not yet fully favourable for its development.
Highlights
In 2017, the consumption of fish worldwide amounted to 176.8 million tons and, according to the forecasts, in 2026 it will increase to the level of 194 million tons [1]
A specific form of aquaculture was developed in Poland, namely the pond carp economy
Concluding, in the light of the presented study, there is a clear need to think about the Polish carp market in the context of alternative forms of sale
Summary
In 2017, the consumption of fish worldwide amounted to 176.8 million tons and, according to the forecasts, in 2026 it will increase to the level of 194 million tons [1]. In order to meet such market expectations, especially when facing the diminishing fish stocks in seas and oceans [2], it becomes imperative to look for a sustainable alternative. Such an alternative is provided by a rapidly growing aquaculture sector, including the production of freshwater fish. The expansion of this part of the fishery economy is confirmed by FAO Among the European Union countries, Poland is the largest producer of carp intended for consumption. In 2018 alone, Poland’s yield reached 20.8 thousand tons
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