Idea vs. Reality: Perspectives and Barriers to the Development of Community-Supported Agriculture in Poland

The study examines the theoretical and practical dimensions of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). Its objective is to assess whether social capital theory explains food producers’ engagement in CSA and whether this is reflected in practice. The research is based on a critical review of the relevant literature and on empirical investigations conducted in Poland among CSA producers using the CAWI method in 2024. The findings indicate that social capital theory plays a fundamental role in explaining the mechanisms underpinning CSA, with significant implications for the development of local food systems and for policies supporting small farms. This suggests the need for stronger institutional support aimed at enhancing trust and cooperation between food producers and consumers. Unfortunately, due to the low level of social capital in Poland, the CSA model remains only a niche complement to traditional forms of agriculture, functioning primarily as an alternative for a narrow group of socially and environmentally conscious consumers and small clusters of producers.