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
1
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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Our _____ box turns up every Thursday with whatever is ready.
Synonyms
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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.
What is the meaning of CSA?
"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.
