The role of collaborative community supported agriculture (CSA): Lessons from Iowa
As part of the study, we interviewed or surveyed respective coordinators, producers, and members to examine the multiple community benefits these for-profit enterprises offer. We identified several key factors that led to the rise and success of this type of CSA structure in Iowa, including producers desire and willingness to cooperate with others, public awareness of the benefits of eating local, and community and statewide networks of support for local food systems. In terms of impacts, we found that collaborative CSA contributes to rural development by incubating agriculturally based micro-enterprise, providing instant access to local food system networks, and providing a practical training ground for sustainability-conscious farmers and value-added food producers. We also identified characteristics of collaborative CSA that appeal to members. One of the most critical issues in deciding member retention is the ability of the CSA to adjust the amount of produce and delivery times (and to a lesser extent delivery locations) to accommodate different household eating patterns. Corry Bregendahl Cornelia Flora
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