Devon Acres CSA: local struggles in a global food system

Abstract

This paper focuses on examining the dynamic nature of community supported agriculture (CSA) and the real-world experiences which mark its contours, often making it distinct from the early idealized CSA ''model.'' Specifically, our study examines the narratives of the farmers of Devon Acres CSA over its duration, in tandem with a survey of recent shareholders in order to understand and explain its evolution. The framework we develop here shows that this CSA is largely characterized by instrumental and functional beliefs and practices, with some elements in the collaborative mode. A key contribution of this research is the development of a framework which helps to highlight the relative fluidity and patchwork quality of CSA participant positions over time. At Devon Acres, the real-world factors and issues influencing CSA evolution are seen to be products of both the local and larger contexts, evident in such areas as shifts in farmer learning and adaptation, differences between beliefs and practices in member volunteer efforts, and changes in farm and resource conditions. With respect to CSA more broadly, we argue that the reality of dominant food system context and site-specific influences on CSA development compels us to rework our attachment to early idealized ''model'' traits. Expansion in CSA numbers, evidence of adaptation and situated learning, and retention of the local and organic as core traits, speak to the pragmatic yet transformative potential of CSA contribution to food system change.

Potentials and Limitations of Regional Organic Food Supply: A Qualitative Analysis of Two Food Chain Types in the Berlin Metropolitan Region

“…The high dependence of CSA on having a high rate of retention of a core group of engaged consumers shows the fragility of this model of food provision [98,99]. In addition, the CSA model provides no per se economic benefits for farmers.…”

“…They also offer environmental education and contribute to awareness regarding origin, quality, and seasonality of food, which can lead to behavioural and attitude changes in consumers, such as sustainable consumption [72,97,101]. According to some authors, these changes might finally initiate the transformation of the existing food and economic system [98,102,103].…”

Access to Information and Farmer's Market Choice: The Case of Potato in Highland Bolivia

“…Research in California found that many farmers' market and CSA managers prioritized food security for low-income people and used strategies to try to meet the needs of low-income consumers (Guthman, Morris, & Allen, 2006). CSAs vary in their structures and business models, including size, cost of membership, growing methods, member involvement and the food that they provide (Feagan & Henderson, 2008;Lang, 2010;Martinez et al, 2010;Schnell, 2007). Since CSAs are highly local creations, they attempt to forge relationships between consumers and farmers that reflect unique conditions and needs (Groh & McFadden, 1997).…”

The Effectiveness of the Multilateral Coalition to Develop a Green Agricultural Products Market in China Based on a TU Cooperative Game Analysis

“…Producers promise to use organic or similarly alternative production methods to produce and regularly supply fresh foods to consumers. It is an agricultural development model emphasizing communication, interaction, and mutual trust between producers and consumers as well as social and ecological sustainability [33][34][35][36]. Compared with other sale models, CSA alleviates the problem of information asymmetry in the green agricultural product market to a certain extent.…”