CSA Development in Wales / Cymru
Date Published: 19th May 2026
Our Welsh Development Worker Eva Walters-Jones has been on the ground, connecting with growers and gathering data to help our Welsh network thrive. Here is a snapshot of what’s been happening.
To better understand the landscape, we recently conducted a member survey for our Welsh farms. The results are clear; the top areas our members are looking for support in are marketing (64%), capital funding (50%), and fundraising (42%). Amongst other subjects including training and new entrant support. These insights are now shaping our strategic plan and the creation of a new CSA handbook jam packed with useful info and Welsh specific schemes and funding opportunities. We have also started new peer-to-peer support groups on key subjects of interest for our members; a platform to share knowledge and concerns in a safe space.
We recently hosted a vibrant networking event with 20 attendees from across Wales, including representatives from six existing CSAs and at least three aspiring projects. The day was packed with:
- A farm tour and practical knowledge-sharing at Ash and Elm Horticulture.
- Workshops on scaling up and community-led growing.
- A delicious lunch and dinner sourced directly from the farm.
- Key Discussions: We explored what a “Healthy CSA Network Wales” looks like, focusing on better land access, incubator farms, and clearer definitions for the CSA model.
Having presented to all Local Food Partnership coordinators across Wales, there is clearly significant interest in CSA across Welsh Local Authorities and we hope that the momentum continues to grow. We also have a new Welsh Language Policy for the CSA Network and are currently seeking funding to ensure all our resources and branding are fully bilingual. Watch this space!
The future looks bright, with seven new CSAs currently in development in Wales alone. We are linking these new entrants with national schemes and resources and will hopefully see these fledgling projects come into their own in the next year or two. We are also working towards funding some taster sessions and training days in collaboration with Bwyd Abertawe and Farming Connect for existing farmers across Wales, with the hope of drumming up some interest in the model with livestock and dairy farmers; by far the most prevalent farming in Wales. Currently the large majority of our CSA’s in Wales however, are horticulture farms.
Are you in Wales?
If you’re in Wales and have some ideas around how we can support you or the wider CSA Network in Wales with policy, please get in touch! Particularly with the new government in place and lots of changes afoot.
Would you like to get involved or join one of our peer support groups? Or interested in anything else you’ve read here? Reach out to our Welsh Development Worker Eva on wales@communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk