Operators
The perceived benefits seemed to focus around four main concepts: reduced cost,
customer connection, program flexibility, and planned crop production. Half of the operators
interviewed perceived the reduction of capital cost as a benefit of running a CSA, which in turn
factored into their motivation to start the program. Capital cost for the business is gained at the
beginning of the season reducing the amount of debt and interest to pay off. Furthermore,
these operators indicated that the CSA model ensured a stable income. One of the operators
indicated that selling CSA shares means that the farmer is getting retail prices for the crops they
grow. If the farmer were to sell to a wholesale distributor the farmer would get lower prices for
the same amount of work.
Most of the operators indicated that connections with the customers were another
perceived benefit. Customers have to either travel to the farm or to a pick up location in town.
This direct contact with the farmer means that the farmer can see the positive reactions of the
customer to food that was grown. This connection between the operator and the consumer
also helps the farmer gain a loyal customer base that is beneficial for business stability.
One of the operators indicated that program flexibility was a benefit of the CSA model.
Customers buy a share of the produce and not a specific volume. Therefore, the farmer does
not have to meet a specified production volume. The farmer can vary the contents of the
basket depending on how well the crops did that year. Finally, planned crop production allowed
further flexibility and benefits. The farmer can plan their crops based on what their customers
want or need. By understanding their customers, the farmer can understand what to grow and
how much. This helps prevent waste.