Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
410 results(13 / 17)
Urban Agriculture as “Agricultural” Producer
2013Adam Prince · · United States (California)
This chapter considers movements to transform the food system in the United States. In Oakland, California, a growing community of urban food producers and advocates is working to address food insecurity in historically underserved communities. Diverse enclaves in Oakland exhibit various forms of community-based food production, ranging from windowsill herb patches to rooftop projects and distributed farming networks utilizing vacant lots.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceHealthRecruiting and Retaining Shareholders for Community Supported Agriculture in Texas
2013Kelsey Hall, Courtney Meyers, David L. Doerfert, Cindy Akers, Phillip Johnson · Journal of Applied Communications · United States (Texas)
This mixed-methods study explored how Texas CSA shareholders received local food information and how CSA owners recruited and retained members, given retention rates of 20-70% nationwide. Data from an online survey of three Texas CSAs and interviews with owners showed shareholders preferred daily/weekly information searches via websites and interpersonal communication. Owners used local media, events, and word-of-mouth for recruitment, and weekly email newsletters for retention.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunity社区支持农业（CSA）型都市农业观光园优化设计——以上海市崇明开心农庄为例
2013王冬灵, Genxu Wang, 车生泉 · 上海交通大学学报：农业科学版 · China (Shanghai)
This article discusses the feasibility and optimization design of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) type urban agricultural tourism parks in China, using Chongming Happy Farm in Shanghai as an example. It analyzes issues to consider when developing such parks and explores design optimizations across five aspects: agricultural production systems, tourism systems, overall layout, functional spatial structure, and operation management. The study suggests that CSA-type urban agricultural tourism parks can optimize urban agricultural tourism development and expand suburban agricultural development paths.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsPeri-urban agricultureGreen Sisters: Bringing Spirituality and Environmental Awareness Together at Homecoming Farm
2013Marisa DeCandido · Syracuse University Libraries (Syracuse University) · United States (New York City)
This project describes the "green sisters" movement and its presence at Homecoming Farm, a Community-Supported Agriculture project in Amityville, New York. The green sisters movement involves Catholic nuns dedicated to environmental education and sustainability, exemplified by Homecoming Farm, an organic farm created in 1992 by the Sisters of Saint Dominic. The story is presented through a five-part news series, based on six visits and interviews with eleven individuals at Homecoming Farm in the summer and fall of 2012.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityOrganic cycleCOMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA)
2013Atănăsoaie George Sebastian · Annals - Economy Series · Global
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms are an alternative to conventional agriculture but face numerous policy issues related to product, price, distribution, and promotion. A literature review indicated that farmers need to offer more flexible basket content in terms of quantity and product type, and consumers require information on product preparation and preservation. To offset the negative impact of high prices, measures such as cost reduction, flexible payment rescheduling, and compensation for financial resource deficits are necessary.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justiceEnhancing Direct Marketing Opportunities for Local Foods
2013Kynda R. Curtis, Voravee Chakreeyarat, J. Dominique Gumirakiza · Digital Commons - USU (Utah State University) · Global
The concept of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, also known as Subscription Farming, first originated in Japan in the 1960s. This concept was later introduced to the U.S. in the 1980s.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceHomem Ocidental - Homem Oriental: Community Supported agriculture como escultura social
2013Hermann Pohlmann · Palíndromo · Global
This abstract considers the possibility of transforming the space depicted by 19th-century landscape painters in a plastic-social way, making it a global work of art that can be experienced. It aims not for a space to escape urban centers, but to achieve a true global work of art.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityHazon CSA Community: Comprehensive Program Promotion
2013Lauren Sara Wasserman · The Open Repository - Binghamton (Binghamton University) · Global
This research study examined how Hazon could better promote its comprehensive programming to its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) site communities. As of 2012, Hazon had 58 CSA site locations, each with coordinators acting as liaisons. The study aimed to explore ways for Hazon to improve its program promotion.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityThinking about the Chinese-style Community Supported Agriculture
2013Chen Hui-fan · Anhui nongye kexue · China (Zhengzhou)
This article analyzes the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model in Zhengzhou and proposes a new Chinese-style CSA model, "daughter-in-law in the city, her husband outside the city," inspired by roof vegetable gardens. This model is presented as beneficial for organic agriculture development and urban roof greening, offering a mutually beneficial practice for combining roof greening and agriculture. It is described as a green economy approach that promotes ecological environment protection and urban-rural economic development.
CSA & TeikeiDIYUrban–rural linkageEconomicsHerd Management: Labor Strategies in Local Food Production
2013Brandi Janssen · Anthropology of Work Review · United States
This paper explores labor strategies for producers in the growing local food sector, where increased demand creates challenges for scaling operations. A major obstacle to growth is access to reliable, affordable labor. The paper discusses typical options for obtaining and retaining labor, including paid employees, volunteers, and interns, noting that each strategy has social and economic advantages and disadvantages for producers and the community.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsCommunityThe role of community supported agriculture in the development of organic agriculture in Croatia
2013Ivan Sarjanović · Geoadria · Croatia
An online questionnaire was administered to 46 group members and 5 farmers to investigate the functioning of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups in Croatia and the socio-economic characteristics of their members and collaborating farmers. The survey confirmed that CSA group members are younger, highly educated individuals living in large cities or urbanized regions (Zagreb, Kvarner, Istria), driven by eco-social motives such as ecological consciousness, healthy food, and cooperation. Farmers collaborating with CSA groups practice ecological agriculture on farms smaller than the Croatian average, and they cooperate due to easier product sales and the positive effect on their income and local community involvement.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsOrganic cycleFeasibility of Using a Community-Supported Agriculture Program to Improve Fruit and Vegetable Inventories and Consumption in an Underresourced Urban Community
2013Sara A. Quandt, Janae Dupuis, Caitlin A. Fish, Ralph B. D’Agostino · Preventing Chronic Disease · United States
This randomized, controlled feasibility study evaluated the feasibility of a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) intervention in an underresourced urban community in the United States. Fifty low-income women with children participated, with the intervention group (25 participants) receiving fresh produce and educational sessions for 16 weeks. A significant increase in household fruit and vegetable inventory was observed in the intervention group, but increases in consumption were not significant. Challenges included transportation and work schedules, yet most participants expressed interest in continued participation.
CSA & TeikeiHealthCommunityWelfareCommunity Supported Agriculture: A Commitment to a Healthier Diet
2012Joseph N. Cohen, S. Gearhart, Elizabeth Garland · Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition · United States (New York City)
A prospective cohort study in New York City investigated whether Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) participation increased fruit and vegetable consumption and home-cooked meals. Among 583 individuals who completed both surveys, CSA members showed a statistically significant increase of 2.2 servings of fruit and vegetables per week and 4.9 home-cooked meals per month compared to non-members. CSA participation was also associated with subjective reports of increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
CSA & TeikeiHealthFood educationMore Than Counting Beans: Adapting USDA Data Collection Practices To Track Marketing Channel Diversification
2012Alan Hunt, Gary C. Matteson · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States
Agricultural producers are diversifying their marketing channels, but the U.S. Census of Agriculture primarily tracks only direct-to-consumer sales, organic sales, and community supported agriculture farms. This paper proposes that administrative reporting changes in the 2012 census and the introduction of new questions for the 2017 census can improve observations on marketing channel usage at both farm-level and sector-level with greater precision.
CSA & TeikeiPolicyEconomicsLeveraging Micro Blogging to Build Trust by Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Pioneers in China
2012Sarah Yixin Zhang, Zhang Zhi-xing · Journal of the Association for Information Systems · China
This study investigates how Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pioneers in China use microblogging technology to engage members and develop their communities. CSA is a sustainable agriculture model where members support farms and share risks, making trust-building crucial. Microblogging platforms provide farmers with a channel to communicate updates, address member problems, and facilitate interactions among CSA members, especially when frequent farm visits are not possible. The study analyzed microblog posts from China's first CSA farm.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityDigital agricultureFood sovereignty & justicePromoting Urban Agriculture for Development: Suggestions for Designing the 'Ideal' Social Enterprise Box Scheme in Cape Town
2012Amy E. Thom, Beatrice Conradie · Open University of Cape Town (University of Cape Town) · South Africa (Cape Town)
This study, focused on Cape Town, South Africa, proposes social enterprise fresh produce box schemes as a sustainable business opportunity for urban agriculture to contribute to development. The research compared three existing box scheme models, analyzed a consumer survey to explore the consumer market, and investigated poor producers' agency through cross-case analysis. This analysis yields suggestions for key characteristics of an "ideal" social enterprise box scheme that is both financially sustainable and contributes to improvements in poor producers' agency.
CommunityEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceCSA & TeikeiStewards of the land : demonstrations of agricultural authenticity in Columbia County, NY
2012Bruntfield, Jaclyn Rose · Scholars Archive - University at Albany (University at Albany, State University of New York) · United States (Columbia County, NY)
This abstract discusses the increased public scrutiny of food origins in the U.S. and the growing demand for alternatives to the mainstream food system, as evidenced by more farmers markets, organic products, and Community Supported Agriculture programs. It notes that post-WWII industrialization of food production, while providing inexpensive food, has potentially compromised people's relationships with food. Currently, only one percent of Americans identify farming as their primary occupation.
CSA & TeikeiFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageCSAs in Canada and China: innovation and paradox
2012Anthony M. Fuller, Theresa Schumilas, Zhenzhong Si · Digital Commons - Lingnan (Lingnan University) · Canada; China
This presentation examines innovations and contradictions in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Canada and China, where farmers pursue economic, social, and ecological goals. It describes the evolving CSA movement in Canada and identifies three paradoxes, including the economic paradox of market-based social change, questioning if CSAs can maintain their alternative nature or if co-optation is inevitable.
CSA & TeikeiCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsCivic Agriculture: Towards a Local Food Web for Sustainable Urban Development
2012Siqing Chen · APCBEE Procedia · United States
This paper uses a housing development project in the United States to exemplify how civic agriculture can be integrated into urban development through forms like Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), kitchen gardens, and farmer's markets. This integration creates a local food web, enhancing civic engagement and welfare among residents, maintaining landscape authenticity, strengthening ecosystem services, reducing carbon footprint, and promoting long-term sustainability. Civic agriculture represents a transition in agricultural practice from large-scale commodity enterprises to small-scale, self-sustaining civic activities.
CommunityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceUrban–rural linkageCan Community Supported Agriculture be an Economically Viable Approach to Sustainable Agriculture
2012Ishani Shrestha · · Global
This thesis examined the economic viability of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms globally. The study found that current share prices of CSA farms do not reflect all production costs, suggesting that CSA might not be an economically viable approach to sustainable agriculture if current pricing strategies continue. A Contingent Valuation survey indicated potential for CSA farms to raise share prices without losing sales and for the U.S. government to benefit from subsidizing sustainable agriculture.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsFood sovereignty & justiceDevelopment from Consumer-shared Farm to Rural Citizen Community:Thinking About a New Model to Balance Urban and Rural Development
2012Wang Shu-jin · Nongye jingji yu guanli · Global
This paper discusses consumer-shared farms as a key component of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and a beneficial model for balancing urban and rural development in developed countries. It suggests that combining consumer-shared farms with rural citizen communities can genuinely improve farmers' incomes and address issues in harmonious urban-rural development. The paper explores the concept of rural citizen communities, related research topics, and policy suggestions.
CSA & TeikeiUrban–rural linkageEconomicsCommunityAre Consumers Willing to Pay for Organic When the Food is Already Local?
2012Cristina Connolly, H. Allen Klaiber, Connolly, Cristina, Klaiber, H. Allen · AgEcon Search (University of Minnesota, USA) · United States
This study evaluated consumers' willingness to pay for organic certification programs using price and attribute data from 188 CSA farms in Ohio and Pennsylvania. A semi-log hedonic analysis revealed a willingness to pay approximately 9% more for organic branding compared to natural, translating to an additional $48 per summer season share. However, no premium was found for competing certification programs.
CSA & TeikeiEconomicsUrban–rural linkageFarmers against the Market? The Itinerary of an Alternative Marketing System for Fruits and Vegetables
2012Madlyne Samak · L Homme et la société · France
A long-term study in southeastern France examined the development of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) as an alternative marketing system for fruits and vegetables. The study found that the non-market dimension of CSA appears to have disappeared over time, from its initial form to current basket systems. This change is attributed to the diversification of farmers' sociological profiles and the transformation of marketing conditions for organic local products.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiCommunityEconomicsCommunity-Engaged Learning in Food Systems and Public Health
2012Julie L. Self, Becky Handforth, Janelle Hartman, Corey McAuliffe, Elizabeth Noznesky, Rebecca J. Schwei, Laura Whitaker, Amanda Wyatt, Amy Girard · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States
A student-driven, community-engaged learning course was developed to enhance student understanding of complex food system determinants and food choices. The course, guided by the socio-ecological model, involved students collaborating with faculty and community partners to define its objectives and curriculum. It featured student-led modules on food preferences, agriculture systems, food access, and agricultural policy, alongside community-engaged research projects that examined food distribution models in metro Atlanta and identified strategies to improve access to healthy food in low-income areas.
Food educationCommunityHealthPolicyCSA & TeikeiChallenges to making local food accessible through farmersˈ markets and community supported agriculture: DeKalb County, Georgia
2012Corey McAuliffe, Laura Whitaker, Aimee Webb Girard · The FASEB Journal · United States (Georgia)
Interviews with farmers' market managers, farmers, CSA managers, and a cooperative market manager in DeKalb County, Georgia, assessed challenges in local food accessibility. Qualitative data revealed significant financial barriers to production, prohibitive policies, and limitations in marketing and distribution systems. Environmental factors also limited the accessibility of local foods through farmers' markets and CSAs.
Economic viabilityCSA & TeikeiEconomicsPolicyFood sovereignty & justice