Meet some of our new CSAs
Date Published: 15th August 2024
Following on from two successful previous schemes that ended last year, this spring the CSA Network UK launched a new programme to provide support to CSAs in the process of getting off the ground.
Thanks to Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust we had funding for six places on the programme but with so many exciting new CSAs starting up it was clear more was needed. With help from Pebble Trust and a private donor we managed to expand the programme to take on ten CSAs!
The programme runs for two years and offers bespoke support to suit the needs of each CSA. We started with one-to-one conversations to identify the key needs. In a group meeting we were able to share inspirations and challenges.
Although the CSAs are varied in their approaches, experience and locations, there are some common themes that arose such as sourcing funds to put essential infrastructure in place, governance structures and crop-planning specifically for CSA.
Last month we hosted a webinar on business planning and finance and following that, each CSA will have feedback and help refining their plans. We also have some visits to other CSAs and one-to-one mentoring underway to help with areas such as site planning, designing irrigation systems and developing membership offerings.
It’s great to see so many varied and promising CSAs starting up and we’re excited to watch them develop! Some of the CSAs on the programme introduce themselves below. Watch this space next month for more about our new CSAs and to join us in following their journeys.
Amandla – Sustainable Kirriemuir, Angus
Sustainable Kirriemuir is an environmental charity based in Angus, Scotland. Our vision is for Kirriemuir to become a sustainable net-zero community where people and nature flourish.
On November 28th, we will begin our farming journey, in partnership with Kinnordy Estate, Kirriemuir. We aim to transform a 17-acre traditionally farmed field into a thriving ecosystem that produces food while enhancing biodiversity, soil quality, income, resilience, and community bonds.
Once we’re on the land, our goal is to establish a regenerative micro-farm that will eventually provide vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, honey and more for our community.
We’ve chosen to operate as a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme (CSA) to maintain and strengthen the strong connection we have with our community, providing a space for learning from the land and each other and sharing the ups, downs, and realities of producing good nutritious food in Scotland.
sustainablekirriemuir.co.uk
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Spencer – Nourish Kernow CIC, Camelford, Cornwall
Nourish Kernow CIC is a growing community based in Camelford, North Cornwall. By employing a sustainable, regenerative market garden model and fostering community engagement through volunteer opportunities and outdoor learning, we grow wholesome local food that nourishes both body and soul.
Thanks to Levelling Up funding, we’ve just taken on our first employee and are expanding our volunteer numbers, planning our next event in autumn (apple pressing) and working towards our first local veg boxes.
We would appreciate any help and advice form other CSAs or local folks interested in helping as we establish ourselves in our community.
Dide, Moonacre Farm, Frome, Somerset
My name is Dide Lucas and I’m a 55 year old widow, mother of two amazing young women. I live in Somerset on a 22-acre smallholding which is Biodynamic. I’ve done this on my own for a long time and I want to start a CSA to build community around myself and this beautiful land, growing food and eating together with love and laughter.
I’m in the early stages of this journey but my vision is to make a living from the land whilst creating spaces for learning and enrichment, celebrating nature’s bounty and building respect for quality food production.
Jimmy and Olly, Lush Greens, Bristol
Lush Greens is a young and flourishing CSA located in Bristol. We run a pay-what-you-can-afford CSA alongside our work growing veg for food charities in our local community.
We started a CSA because it is a model that aligns with building a direct and personal relationship between farmers and customers, reducing food miles, championing food justice, farming in harmony with nature and improving health outcomes through nutritious veg, access to green space and social connection.
Sian, Handley Farm, Belper, Derbyshire
Ever since first visiting Handley Farm and experiencing the sense of community here, I’ve thought it’s a great place for a CSA. I moved here in February to start work developing the veg garden and we launched Handley CSA at the start of July.
We also run a food hub on the Open Food Network alongside the CSA so members can buy a whole range of products from local producers at the same time as collecting their shares.
David, Tyninghame Community Farm, Dunbar, East Lothian
I am the Head Grower on a 2 acre community-led CSA, supported by a team of 5 directors. Last year we started selling vegetables to a local shop, but we launched the CSA in June offering 20 shares.
Currently we are growing seasonally, but we are looking for more land to enable us to supply shares year-round in the future. We are not-for-profit and have regular volunteer days to share the space and joy of growing with our community.