ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses whether community supported agriculture (CSA) constitutes a real alternative to the conventional food system: Is it (i) an alternative which replaces agri-food; (ii) an alternative as a supplement choice; or (iii) a symbol of an alternative lifestyle? CSA is discussed against the background of social movement research. Social movement theories interpret social movements as protecting the place of direct social interaction, contrary to impersonal systems and network flows. From this point of view, CSA is an alternative not as a niche that will replace the agri-food-system in the future, but more as a space for learning and expressing sustainability. The analysis is based on experiences with CSA in Germany, and makes comparisons with developments in other European countries.
