CSA Start-up and Scaling-up, a two-day intensive training course in September 2023.

Date Published: 15th July 2023

CSA Network UK is pleased to announce that Ed Hamer will host his 10th ‘CSA Start-up and Scaling-up,’ two-day intensive training course on the 9th and 10th of September 2023 at his farm in Chagford, Devon.

This course will build on the first-hand experience Ed has gained in establishing his own CSAs over the past twelve years. It will provide the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to start a CSA in your community.

Ed’s course is also targeted at individuals and community groups with established CSAs, but are looking to take it to the next level regarding membership or new enterprises.

The course runs on the weekend of the 9th & 10th September, 2023. 

The proposed timetable will be as follows:

Saturday morning, 10 am start:

• Introduction to Chagfood & the format of the weekend
• First steps of a CSA
• Identifying demand
• Start-up costs and infrastructure
• Finding a suitable site and securing planning permission
• Initial business planning
• 1-2 pm Lunch
• Saturday afternoon:
• Crop planning specific to CSA’s
• Fertility building
• Delivering your first season
• Managing finances and membership

6 pm: Evening Meal is served.

Sunday morning – 8 am – 10 am Breakfast

10 am start:

• Increasing membership & marketing
• Growing field scale
• Generating additional revenue through wholesale
• Business planning for expansion
• 1-2 pm Lunch
• Sunday afternoon
• Diversifying your CSA
• Flower shares

5 pm close.

Camping is available on site with a compost loo and use of the wood-fired riverside sauna!

Local B&Bs can be recommended on request.

A limited number of places are available, and they’re offered on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. 

The entire cost is £120 for either day or £210 for both days, including meals; (lunch/dinner, breakfast/lunch), camping on site and using our wood-fired riverside sauna! 

We are, however, offering a 20% discount for members of the CSA Network and members of the Landworkers’ Alliance. If you would like to book a place, please email chagfood@gmail.com, and you will receive a request for a BACS payment upfront.

If you would like any further information on the course content, please email Ed directly via: chagfood@gmail.com, or call Ed on 07858 381539