C&A aims to develop the study and understanding of agrarian systems from a holistic, social science perspective, and to link academics and practitioners concerned with agrarian issues, agricultural development, and agricultural systems through dissemination of scientific research, encouragement of effective instruction, and to encourage application of knowledge to public policy. Members have the additional benefit of networking and collaborating.

C&A is a membership organization governed by its Bylaws.

The main activities of C&A include

• Publication of the CAFE Journal

• Sponsorship and organization of panels, special sessions, and workshops at the AAA annual meetings

• Publication of regular columns in Anthropology News

• Sponsorship of the Robert Netting Best Student Paper Prize

• Regular communication among members through the Culture_aglist emailing list