Retaining Members of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in California for Economic Sustainability: What Characteristics Affect Retention Rates?

Urban Farm DB summary

A survey of 111 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in California, United States, analyzed factors influencing CSA member retention rates. The study used bivariate correlations and ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression models to examine variables across five domains: CSA management, farmer, farm, economic characteristics, and region. Findings led to recommendations for CSA farmers and supporting organizations, including increasing season length and crop diversity, incorporating fruit into shares, aligning practices with organic standards, reducing inter-CSA competition, and adjusting marketing regions in saturated areas.