Yes absolutely secure. The information wouldn't be stored in the box, just an identifier (like a barcode) for locating it on line. With a mobile app, you don't need to have a cellular connection to capture the transaction either.
I was thinking of a system like in the old days when a shop keeper kept an account book for the
local farmers. They'd make purchases throughout the year and when the harvest came in, the farmer would clear their account. This system would keep track of who owes the farmer and remind them to clear their account periodically. It would still be an honor system, just with better tracking. Of
course that could change to a debit type system... I'm just brainstorming here.
Lots of people want to develop a relationship with the farmer, and they can still do so. Others prefer to know the story behind the food.
A system like this means that someone could "pay" for their purchase, and at a later time read or view video that the farm want's to place on their profile.
The farmer could even place links to their blog, or permies forum
I think of the internet personality phenomena. Take
Paul Wheaton for example. 1000's of people feel that they know Paul well because of the
podcasts and videos he produces, even though they have never met him, and Paul certainly does not know them.