Better understanding of the variations in CSA organization, culture, and vision.
1) For what enterprises is CSA primarily a niche marketing strategy? For what enterprises is CSA a conscious alternative to conventional food relationships?
2) What are the important characteristics that distinguish these two visions? Land ownership and tenure? Enterprise organization and authority/responsibility (strong core groups)? Valuing of labor and standard of living for farmers? Education and involvement with other forms of “food citizenship” and politics? How many CSA farms exist in the U.S. where shareholders organized first and then hired a farmer?
3) Comparative case studies of CSA farms demonstrating contrasting positions regarding these visions and enterprise characteristics