Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): perception of farmers and co-farmers

Abstract

Alternative food networks are expanding across the world, such as Solidarity Purchasing groups, Farmers' Markets and, particularly, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). In a traditional CSA model, the consumers subscribe to a CSA quota and agree to pay an amount to finance agricultural production, and, on the other hand, farmers deliver products such as vegetable and fruits to consumers. The production risks are transferred from producers to the community members. The aim of this study was to characterize the CSA in Federal District, Brazil, and evaluate the impacts of these new production and marketing arrangements under the farmers and co-farmers point of view. Data collection was carried out through interviews in a sample with 14 CSA and 34 co-farmers with the support of a semi-structured script, composed of six dimensions: Organizational Structure; Culture of Work Organization; Communication; Socio-Environment; Logistics; and Economics. The most relevant results were: for farmers − security, planning, stability, and financial independence of the activity; adoption of organic farming methods; increase in product quality and diversity; improvement in quality of life; recognition and appreciation of rural work; training and adoption of preservationist practices. For co-farmers − increasing social and environmental awareness; increased health care; knowledge of new agricultural products and new uses; reduction of waste; empathy and rationality. For society, this new arrangement of food production and distribution is positive in several aspects, mainly due to the increase in environmental awareness, the valorization of rural activity and greater financial autonomy for farmers, which can help in poverty reduction.