Status And Possibilities Of The Development Of Community Supported Agriculture In Poland As An Example Of Short Food Supply Chain

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the current state of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) as an example of a short food supply chain in Poland in terms of the characteristics of the farms, spatial distribution of the producers and consumers of food, and principles of operation of the CSA groups. The analysis is based on the survey data collected through telephone interviews. The results indicate a rapid increase in the number of CSA groups. CSA groups operate mainly in large cities. Their principles of operation vary; however, the common element is that consumers prepay for organic high-quality produce at the beginning of growing season.