Where's the community in CSAs? (# journal)

Farming alone? What’s up with the “C” in community supported agriculture

This study reconsiders the purported benefits of community found in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Using an online survey of members who belong to CSAs in New York members’ reasons for joining a CSA are assessed. Results show an overwhelming majority of members joined for fresh, local, organic produce, while few respondents joined their CSA to build community, meet like-minded individuals or share financial risk with farmers. Members reported that they do not derive a strong sense of community from either their CSA or other forms of community, yet they volunteered at their CSA and appear to be engaged in activities within their communities.