Local Food and Sustainable Agriculture: The Example of Community Supported Agriculture

This bachelor thesis is focused on the community supported agriculture concept, which is a specific form of local food network. In the theoretical part of the work, the concept is set in the context of agriculture and agri-food system evolution, globalization of food production and consumption, sustainable agriculture and local food networks. Further interest is focused on evaluation of the benefits of local food networks which are mentioned in literature. The positive impacts of local food networks most frequently mentioned are classified in the environmental area, food security, health and food quality as well as economical and regional development. The practical part of the thesis is based on qualitative research, where structured interviews method was used. The interviews were made with selected organic farmers - members of community supported agriculture. The aim of the research is to explore the characteristics of concrete community supported agriculture projects from ivolved farmers' perspective and the benefits gained by participation in community supported agriculture. In comparison with other distribution channels, questioned farmers are mentioning the following benefits: secured sales, financial support in the beginning of season and stronger relation with consumers. key words: community..