Cooperative partnerships between local farmers and consumers that create economically stable farming operations, reconnect local residents with their local agricultural base, provide a guaranteed market for growers and ensure availability to consumers of freshly picked produce at a reasonable price. At the beginning of the growing season, consumers purchase a "share" of the season's harvest. Revenue from the shares is used to purchase seeds and other supplies, pay for labour and equipment and cover other operating expenses. In return for their investment, each consumer receives a weekly supply, usually enough for a family of four, of fresh, often organic, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Flowers, meat, honey, eggs and dairy products may be available through some CSA programs. Also included are programs that make shares in CSA programs more accessible to low-income households by paying all or a portion of the cost of a farm share.

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Programs that provide assistance for people who want to grow their own food or maintain their own gardens on a private basis; or which offer information, technical assistance and support for individuals who have commercial establishments that are engaged in the production of crops, plants, vines or trees; raising livestock, poultry or other small farm animals; beekeeping; commercial fishing; aquaculture projects; or other similar food production ventures.

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Granges, farm bureaus and other organizations whose members are individuals who cultivate the land or raise livestock to earn their living who have affiliated for the purpose of developing purchasing or marketing cooperatives, supporting the passage and enforcement of laws and other social measures that protect farmers and their farming enterprises, ensuring that farmland, in general, is preserved for farming purposes rather than freed for development, or engaging in other activities that are designed to promote their interests and ensure their livelihood.

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Programs that conduct research which focuses on farm crops and animals, and develops ways of improving their quantity and quality. Scientists working in this area look for ways to improve crop yield with less labour, control pests and weeds more safely and effectively and conserve soil and water. They may also study methods of converting raw agricultural commodities into attractive and healthy food products for consumers.

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