The pandemic underscored the need for alternative markets-especially on the part of beginning and historically underserved growers-that can be more resilient to unexpected disruptions and ongoing…

This two-year, $211,174 Project Grant from the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP) will support Fairshare CSA Coalition Inc. and partners in assessing the feasibility of establishing aggregated vegetable sales through direct markets focusing on community supported agriculture (CSA) models in Wisconsin. The grant will allow Fairshare CSA Coalition to work with three aggregators and Hmong farmers in the state to determine if an aggregated model can meet the needs of both producers and consumers. If feasible, the aggregated model is intended to expand market access and infrastructure for participating growers while strengthening their skills relevant to selling into CSA and other direct markets to diversify revenue. The planning work over the grant period will also aim to increase revenue opportunities for Hmong farmers through new direct market channels.

The pandemic underscored the need for alternative markets-especially on the part of beginning and historically underserved growers-that can be more resilient to unexpected disruptions and ongoing fluctuations in demand. Yet, growers have identified several obstacles that limit their ability to prepare for and participate in more complex direct markets like CSA, restaurants, and grocery stores. Connecting producers to these markets through an aggregation model can be an effective means of lowering these barriers. Through this planning project, fairshare CSA coalition-in conjunction with project partners and collaborators, including three aggregators-will assess the feasibility of establishing aggregated vegetable sales through direct markets, focusing especially on CSA and working closely with hmong growers within the state. In addition to determining whether an aggregated model can meet the needs of both producers and consumers, we anticipate a number of additional outcomes for participatinggrowers, including expanded access to markets and critical infrastructure, strengthened skills relevant to selling into CSA and other direct markets, and increased revenue streams.