The project

How the Soil Association is supporting the development of CSA

The Soil Association is part of a partnership project on local food and social enterprise called 'Making Local Food Work' funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Working with a consortium of partners, the Making Local Food Work project, is rooted in the belief that the needs of consumers, producers and the land are interdependent, and that community enterprise can renew and strengthen these links to the lasting benefit of all.

Our experienced team at the Soil Association is helping new CSAs to become established and supporting the development of a CSA network. In addition, we are helping buying groups to buy more fresh seasonal organic produce and exploring the range and potential for larger buying group models.

The project in pictures

Graphic map 1 [jpg, 4MB]
Graphic map 2 [jpg, 3.8 MB] 

What support is the Soil Association providing?

• We are providing comprehensive information through a website to help initiatives to get established – this includes a detailed action manual, case studies, 'how to' guides and lots of practical examples.
• Our regional officers are providing advice and support to groups setting up new CSAs
• We are helping groups with finding land, finding farmers/growers that are interested in being involved and finding local suppliers etc.
• In order to provide ongoing support we will be establishing 'buddying' links with other initiatives
• We are running training events on CSAs and Networking events

Update

There are currently over 80 CSA projects operating in the UK (January 2012) and the number is increasing every month. 

For more information on the Making Local Food Work project, see www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk