Capacities of promotors to support conversion to community supported agriculture – A case study in structurally weak regions in Germany

In light of escalating global crises, a transformation towards more resilient and sustainable food systems is needed. Despite advantages for biodiversity, mitigation of climate change, and the resilience of food systems, the number of small-scale farms declined drastically over recent decades. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a promising social innovation to ensure the viability of small-scale farms, yet it is still a niche phenomenon, and approaches are needed to support its diffusion. In four case studies in structurally weak regions of Germany, we established regional innovation ecosystems of promotors with power, knowledge, and network competencies to support the conversion of farms to CSA. In regional workshops using participatory research methods, 32-36 promotors evaluated barriers to CSA conversion and identified their capacities to reduce them. Barriers related to a lack of potential members and knowledge gaps were rated as most important, yet several capacities to address them were identified (e.g. involving civil society groups, advising on funding, lobbying to the ministry). Hardly any strategies were developed in relation to unsuitable farm structures, lock-in-effects, regulatory barriers and lack of suitable infrastructure. By acting in networks, promotors can pool competencies and reduce regional structural barriers that appear insurmountable to farmers. However, to build fruitful innovation ecosystems in rural areas, actors at different governance levels have to be involved to improve policy frameworks and political commitment.