Whatley, Booker T.

1915-2005 · Contribution: 1970-1988

Agricultural Scientist

Developed the pick-your-own (U-Pick) farming model and the Clientele Membership Club, the direct-marketing system that became the template for modern Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Agriculture & Food — collage image
Agriculture & Food

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Quick facts

Born
1915
Active since
1970
Category
Agriculture & Food
Best known for
Pioneered the CSA modelClientele Membership ClubPick-your-own farming

Impact on the world

Whatley invented the direct-marketing framework that became modern CSA, giving small farmers a way to survive against industrial agriculture. He designed it deliberately as a tool for Black economic self-reliance.

Sources

  1. Smithsonian Magazine

2 more sources and references are available to members.