Partner satisfaction and renewal likelihood in consumer supported agriculture (CSA): A case study of the Equiterre CSA Network

Consumer supported agriculture (CSA) is a mutually beneficial food system that is based on forward contracts between a farmer and consumers. CSA emphasizes organic production methods, and local production for local consumption. A review of the literature on CSA indicates that it is thriving as an alternative to the conventional food system. Yet, the sustainable growth of the CSA food system is threatened by high partner turnover.;A high correlation (r=0.7) between global satisfaction and renewal suggests that CSAs can reduce the turnover rate by delivering in areas that influence global satisfaction with the system. The results suggest that the single most important area in this regard is that of choice and variety of produce. A more flexible system of constituting baskets and a more diversified selection of produce may be useful areas of focus on the farmers' part.;A case study of the Equiterre CSA network was done to identify causes of high partner turnover. 378 useable surveys, out of 500 sent out, were used to identify factors that influence satisfaction and the likelihood to renew the partnership. An ordered probit model was estimated for each dependent variable. Nine factors each were found to significantly influence satisfaction and the likelihood to renew partnership. Satisfaction with product quantity, quality and price, and partner perception of their ability to influence basket contents were statistically significant in the both models. Satisfaction with the location of delivery points was significant in the renewal model. In terms of socio-demographic variables, income and the number of children under 12 years in a household both had negative effects on satisfaction while age had a positive effect on renewal.