Rise in Popularity of Community Supported Agriculture Model
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Models Gaining Traction in Hungary
A lesser-known concept, the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, is gaining popularity in Hungary, according to a report by World Economy. This innovative approach aims to directly connect consumers with farmers, ensuring a stable market for farmers and providing consumers with quick access to local produce at reasonable prices, all while promoting sustainability.
The focus on sustainability and the reduction of food waste has made the CSA model a viable solution in the food supply chain. By establishing direct relationships between farmers and consumers, this model allows for immediate feedback on products and reduces the reliance on wholesalers and retailers. As a result, farmers can increase their income, while consumers benefit from better prices and higher quality produce compared to traditional stores.
Across Western Europe and the Americas, the CSA model has gained momentum with initiatives like the French AMAP (Association for the Maintenance of Peasant Agriculture), the German Solidarische Landwirtschaft (Solawi), the Brooklyn Grange in New York, and Plan B Organic Farms in Ontario, Canada. Despite being in its infancy in Hungary compared to average farm sizes, the country has seen a slow but steady rise in successful examples of how community financing can provide small farms with a stable foundation.
One such pioneer in Hungary is MyFarm, which began in 2019 and currently delivers chemical-free fruit and vegetable boxes from five gardens nationwide to over 500 customers. Similarly, Birsbirtok, with the largest quince orchard in Tolna County, offered advance subscriptions for their fruit harvest, providing customers with over three tons of produce directly from the farm.
Dóra Matus, owner of Birsbirtok, emphasized the benefits of community-supported farming, stating that it makes production more predictable for farmers and allows consumers to know exactly where their food comes from and how it is produced.
Other successful initiatives include TriflaFarm, an oak plantation offering tree adoptions under the farm-to-table concept, and MyWine winery in Tokaj, where customers can adopt a vineyard in exchange for Tokaj wine. Frei Apiculture in Harta has also adopted a similar model, showcasing the potential for sustainable agriculture practices in Hungary.
As the CSA model gains momentum in Hungary, it highlights the importance of direct relationships between farmers and consumers in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste. Through these initiatives, small farms have the opportunity to thrive and provide quality produce to local communities, fostering a more resilient and sustainable food system.
