A C.S.A. "consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either directly or indirectly, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or “shareholders” of the farm pledge to either pay a regular subscription cost through the season, or pay in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, members receive a weekly box or basket share in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season.

Everyone benefits: the grower receives better prices for his or her crops, gains some financial security, and is relieved of much of the burden of marketing. Consumers receive produce that is fresher, tastier, harvested at the peak of ripeness, and also not fumigated, refrigerated, or packaged."

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(Source: "Agroecology - The ecology of sustainable Food Systems"  Stephen R. Gliessman)