The Supply Of Community Supported Agriculture

Abstract

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has undergone both a rapid increase in growth and interest over the last two decades.  As such, the amount of literature on the subject has also increased.  However, there are few, if any, theoretical models of supply for CSA memberships (shares) that have been developed from CSA farm data.  This paper uses both survey and anecdotal data from the Roxbury Biodynamic Farm, one of the largest CSA in the United States, to present a theory of supply for CSA membership.  Included in the discussion is the consideration that CSA farms are not profit maximizing and that the farmers (i.e. the suppliers) knowingly take on the responsibilities and earnings associated with a CSA.