| dc.description.abstract | This study explored the potential of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) structures in promoting agroforestry practices in Flanders. While government subsidies, extension services, and research trials have been extensively studied for this purpose, CSA structures have received limited attention (Borremans, 2019; Cechin et al., 2021). Using an inductive approach inspired by Grounded Theory, the study was organized into two cycles. The first cycle involved semi-structured interviews with eleven CSA farmers and eleven CSA members to identify the characteristics that would enable this type of structure to promote effectively agroforestry practices in Flanders. In the second cycle, a conceptual organizational model based on the first cycle's findings served as a discussion platform during semistructured interviews with nine conventional farmers. The aim was to explore the feasibility and replicability of the proposed approach within conventional farming. Content analysis was conducted on the interview data from each cycle, uncovering meaningful themes, categories, and subcategories.
The conceptual organizational model, namely the Community Supported Agroforestry (CSAF) model, which is based on a CSA structure and centered around diversified fruit trees in arable or pasture fields, did not find much adhesion among conventional farmers. The identified barriers include increased complexity and workload, additional responsibilities, productivity loss, and concerns about the lack of commitment and interest from members. Despite these limitations, discussions with conventional farmers have highlighted potential positive contributions, including the potential for cooperation in the management of trees, opportunities for shared capital investment, improving the image of farmers, and increasing consumer awareness of the reality of farming.
This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the potential of CSA structures for promoting agroforestry practices in Flanders. The analysis of these results offers new avenues for reflection, particularly regarding the synergies that can be fostered between players from the alternative food networks and players from the traditional food system. Finally, it is worth questioning whether the emphasis on performance should gradually give way to a culture of resilience as it could help farmers to engage with agroforestry and community initiatives. | |