Andrew Buckwalter believes in leading by doing.

From coaching varsity soccer to providing college counseling to helping students find their inner strengths on Outward Bound excursions, Buckwalter has remained true to the idea that the best action translates to the best example.

That belief has led the Muhlenberg College grad home to Lititz after working in film production in New York City, teaching at a New York boarding school, and traveling the country.

Buckwalter and his wife, Coral, run Buck Hill Farm, an 80-acre tract in Lititz that has been in his family since the 1940s. What separates Buck Hill from most other county farms is its community-supported agriculture program.

A CSA is a cooperative arrangement in which individuals pay an annual fee in exchange for a share of a farm's output.

"It all comes from a love of the land and a love of the community," Buckwalter said.

"I look at Lancaster County as an agricultural wonderland, and the best way to preserve and sustain this natural wonder is to support local farms," he said.

Buck Hill Farm CSA has about 80 members with 30 on a waiting list. Buckwalter's goal is to increase the total to about 120 next year.

"It is a struggle at times; it's really hard work. But it gives you a true appreciation for the land and seeing how people get connected to the farm gives me hope," Buckwalter said.

Age: 33.

Family: Wife, Coral; yellow Lab, Otto.

Hometown: Lititz.

Why is community-supported agriculture important? 1) CSA encourages direct communication and cooperation between farmers and consumers. 2) CSA provides farmers with a fair return on their labor. 3) CSA keeps food dollars in the local community and contributes to the development and maintenance of regional food systems. 4) With a "guaranteed market" for their produce, farmers can invest their time in doing the best job they can producing food rather than marketing their products. 5) CSA creates a sense of social responsibility and stewardship of local land. 6) CSA puts "the farmer's face on food" and increases understanding of how, where and by whom our food is grown.

The hardest part of farming: Unexpected or bad weather.

The easiest/best part of farming: Having families come to the farm to pick up their share, and seeing the children make the connection that their food is coming from a farm and not a supermarket.

Do you see farming and CSA as a way for one person to help make a difference in the community? Yes. Early in our country's history, farmers were revered for their strong morals, great work ethic and vast knowledge of the land. Over the course of time, that respect and appreciation has dwindled. We are trying to rekindle that admiration and fully reconnect our community to the wonders of local sustainable agriculture.

How do you attract more members? Word of mouth, road signs, brochures, and our Web site, buckhillfarm.net.

Favorite musician/album: So many favorites. I am currently enjoying Dan Auerbach's solo album.

Favorite book: "The Omnivore's Dilemma," by Michael Pollan.

If I could have dinner with anyone (living or dead): The great agrarian Wendell Berry.

Favorite quote: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." — Michael Pollan.