CSA brings together community members, farmers, and agricultural land in a relationship of mutual support based on an annual commitment to one another, a commitment that ensures the survival of local agriculture today and for future generations. All include payment in advance at an agreed price. In most cases, this commitment implies a willingness to share with the farmer both the bounty from the land and at least some of the risks of its production. The farmer receives fair and guaranteed compensation, and in return sharers receive a variety of freshly picked, usually organic vegetables.
Some farms also offer fruit, herbs, flowers, and other products.
In this way, the farmer and sharers become partners in the production, distribution, and consumption of locally grown food. The first CSA in the U.S. was formed in 1985. Currently, there are about 600 CSA farms feeding over 100,000 people throughout North America. Each week, the farmer harvests fresh, ripe crops that are either divided equally amongst sharers, or into boxes of predetermined quantities. Usually people receive their food within 24 hours of picking.