noun

CSA

see-ess-AY

CSA (noun) means Community-supported agriculture: an arrangement in which customers pay a farm in advance for a share of its harvest and receive a regular box of produce through the season. Example: “Our CSA box turns up every Thursday with whatever is ready.”

noun

Community-supported agriculture: an arrangement in which customers pay a farm in advance for a share of its harvest and receive a regular box of produce through the season.

"Our CSA box turns up every Thursday with whatever is ready."

"She runs a 60-member CSA on eight acres."

abbreviation

historical Confederate States of America: the union of Southern states that seceded from the United States between 1860 and 1861.

"The vessel was built for the CSA in 1862."

business Customer service assistant or customer service adviser, a common job title in retail, call centres and banking.

"He worked as a CSA for two summers."

How to Use CSA

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA scheme where you pay a local farm up front and get a box of its produce each week.

When to use it

Which meaning is intended depends heavily on context — food writing, American history or a job listing.

Memory tip

In food contexts CSA works both as the scheme ('we joined a CSA') and attributively ('our CSA share').

Easily confused with

CSA vs farmers' market CSA vs veg box

Common pairings

CSA box join a CSA CSA share CSA farm

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “CSA” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Our _____ box turns up every Thursday with whatever is ready.

Synonyms

View more →

veg box scheme farm share box scheme

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CSA in farming?

Community-supported agriculture is a subscription to a farm: members pay before the growing season and then collect a share of whatever is harvested. The farmer gets guaranteed income and cash early in the year, and members share the risk of a poor crop.

What is the difference between a CSA and a veg box scheme?

A veg box is simply a delivery service, and the supplier may buy produce in from anywhere. A true CSA involves paying one farm in advance and taking a share of that farm's actual harvest, so the contents vary with the season and the weather.

Is a CSA cheaper than a supermarket?

Usually it works out comparable or slightly cheaper per kilo for seasonal vegetables, but you pay a lump sum up front and cannot choose what arrives. The saving depends on whether you use everything in the box.