CSA in the Northeast: Growing the Movement

CSA in the Northeast: Growing the Movement

Summary

Summary Continuing previous SARE-supported work, this project will expand and improve programs and services for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the Northeast. Participants will collect information and track trends, host a regional conference, broaden public awareness of CSA, and promote new CSA farms, with the ultimate goal of establishing a stabilize, financially self-sufficient CSA organization by the project’s end.

Objectives
1. improve and expand regional CSA support services to reach new users;
2. promote the development of new CSA farms through a regional conference;
3. lead and manage national data management and research initiatives
4. sponsor a regional research project on priority CSA topics; and
5. take final steps toward sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Project Description
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become one of the most vital emerging sectors of the Northeast’s food system. Over the past several years, CSA advocates have implemented activities to nurture the movement. Hundreds of CSA farmers and thousands of CSA members have received information and help from new support services and structures. In this Project, we propose to improve, expand and stabilize these services and programs. We propose to promote the development of new CSA farms and broaden the public’s awareness of CSA. We will capitalize on new opportunities for national and cross-regional linkages to create effective networks for information sharing and support. We will sponsor research on a topic prioritized by CSA farmers.
The Robyn Van En Center for CSA Resources in the Northeast was launched with support from a 1998 NESARE grant. We regard this grant request as a final bridge toward self-sufficiency as we implement our business plan (a product of our current grant project). We will host another regional conference that will include other regions. We will manage a national database of CSA farms, and collect “census” information that will be used to track trends and shape research projects. At the completion of the Project, we will have an enduring support structure for CSA farmers and others, and we will have new CSA farms across the region.
For farmers, CSA offers an alternative, supportive, direct market that promotes economic viability. Informed and active shareholders become partners in and reward ecologically responsible farming that is deeply rooted in the community.The CSA model has much to teach us about a “new agriculture”. This Project will complete the process of building permanent support structures to support, promote and increase CSA farms.

Project approved April 2000.

Collaborators: