In light of challenges inherent to the global food system (soil health, food security etc.),
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), as an alternative food market, has shown that it can
be part of a viable alternative system. CSA is predicated on a closer relationship between
farmer and consumer, thus facilitating an understanding of stakeholder perceptions holds value
to all parties. In addition, the regional focus of this report holds value in examining regional
innovation in the CSA model, which may be useful to practitioners elsewhere. Research was
conducted through interviews of operators and consumers, as well as by analyzing consumer
survey results. Results indicated that. The values of stakeholders participating in CSA programs
(CSAs) in Waterloo Region do not differ substantially from those found in global literature.
Research revealed several regional advantages including close proximity of farmland to urban
centres, and a network of support between farmers