We are pleased to announce that we are running Ed Hamer's CSA start-up and scaling-up course in the North of England in March 2022.

The course will build on the first-hand experience Chagfood have gained in establishing their own CSA over the past ten years to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence for you to start a CSA in your own community. It will also draw on the experience of Ben and Luke who set up Meanwood Valley CSA two years ago in urban Leeds

The course will also be targeted at individuals and community groups who have already established a CSA enterprise but are looking to take it to the next level in terms of membership or new enterprises.

The course, the first of its kind in the North of England, will run on the weekend of the 19th and 20th March and the proposed timetable will be:

Saturday morning 10am start:

• Introduction to Chagfood, MVUF & the format of the weekend
• First steps of a CSA
• Identifying demand
• Start up costs and infrastructure
• Finding a suitable site and securing planning permission
• Initial business planning
• Tour of MVUF CSA

1-2pm Lunch

Saturday afternoon:

• Crop planning specific to CSA’s
• Fertility building
• Delivering your first season
• Managing finances and membership

5pm Evening Meal

Sunday morning 10am start:

• Increasing membership & marketing
• Growing field scale
• Generating additional revenue through wholesale
• Business planning for expansion

1-2pm Lunch

• Sunday afternoon :
• Diversifying your CSA
• Flower shares

4pm close

We have a limited number of places on the course offered on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. The full cost is £80 for either day or £140 for both days including meals; (lunch/dinner/lunch). We are however offering a 20% discount for members of the CSA Network. There are also a limited number of bursary places available - please contact us if you would like to apply for these.

Very basic accommodation available on floor of meeting room at MVUF. Otherwise you will need to find your own.

Local B&B’s can be recommended on request

If you would like any further information on the course content please email csanetworkuk@gmail.com