The impact of community supported agriculture

Community supported agriculture (CSA) is a radical approach to the production and supply of food that builds strong, close and mutually beneficial partnerships between communities and producers. Though still a niche element of the local food sector and representing a tiny part of the food system as a whole, CSA offers a powerful approach to reconnecting people and agriculture. It is increasingly attractive as an answer to popular concerns about sustainability, resilience and transparency in the food system. As it grows more rapidly, albeit from a small base, CSA has potential to play a greater role in the provision of sustainable food and to deliver other benefits, including the increased wellbeing of participants, skills development, and provision of local employment and volunteering opportunities.

Our evaluation of the impact of CSA in England finds that at least 80 CSA initiatives are providing multiple benefits to thousands of members, their communities, local economies and the environment.